Wales captain Ashley Williams apologises for calling Cardiff City supporters ‘mugs’ in exchange with physio

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Wales captain Ashley Williams has apologised for his “mugs” remark about Cardiff supporters before their Uefa Nations League game against Denmark.

Former Swansea defender Williams was caught on camera mocking Bluebirds' fans when looking at a picture in the players' tunnel at the Cardiff City Stadium on Friday.

Williams clarified that he made the comment when engaged in “banter” with Wales' Cardiff physiotherapist Sean Connelly.

“It's obviously disappointing, but it was not meant how it came out,” Williams said at a Tirana press conference before Tuesday's friendly against Albania in Elbasan.

“There was a bit of banter between me and Sean, who has been Cardiff physio for ages. It was obviously picked up but I didn't mean to cause any offence.

“We have that banter in the squad all the time and it was just picked up this time. Apologies if it caused offence to anyone.”

Some Cardiff fans have turned their anger on Williams on social media, with some even suggesting that the Stoke centre-back should not play for Wales again.

But the 83-times capped Williams, who played over 350 games for Cardiff's great rivals Swansea between 2008 and 2016, insisted he bears no ill will towards the capital club.

“I've got nothing against Cardiff fans,” he added. “We have a good relationship, especially with Wales, and as players we love the Welsh fans and what they do for us.

“We've had that joke many times going into that stadium and it doesn't get picked up. It was a little unfortunate that it was on camera.”

Wales' final game of 2017 comes after the disappointment of a 2-1 home defeat to Denmark and missing out on a place in the top tier of the Nations League.

Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale has, to the surprise of some sections of the Spanish media, made the 3,000-plus mile round trip to Albania.

The European champions are back in La Liga action at Eibar on Saturday, and many might have expected Bale to miss the friendly.

But speaking in a news conference, Wales boss Giggs said: “There's no concern over [upsetting] Madrid. Gareth is in good hands.

“He always wants to play for his country and he wants to be here for Chris [Gunter] on what will be a special night.

“All those things mean it's great he's here and it gives everyone a lift when he's in the squad. No one has ever doubted his commitment to Wales.”

Gunter will become the most capped Wales player after Giggs confirmed the Reading full-back will start in Elbasan.

The 29-year-old will make his 93rd appearance against Albania, eclipsing former goalkeeper Neville Southall's 92-cap mark.

“I never thought I'd get here. It means an awful lot,” Gunter said.

“It's fantastic when you achieve something as an individual, but when you do it with teammates it's an honour to do it with them.

“They've been there in difficult moments and I feel very honoured to be here.”