Chairman Pete Winkelman has made the following statement regarding the incident involving Samir Carruthers at Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday 15th March.
“I have today (Wednesday) met with Samir Carruthers, the executive management team and Karl (Robinson) at stadiummk.
“I came to the meeting very angry and concerned as we have put huge effort into building a family-friendly reputation at MK Dons.
“However, it was clear Samir was sincere, contrite and all-encompassing with his apology. He has also taken full responsibility for his behaviour and understands the damage he has caused to his own and the Club’s reputation.
“Obviously, his actions are still unacceptable and, as a result, he has been disciplined. Samir has received a warning, been fined two weeks’ wages and handed a suspension by the Club, which is inclusive of this Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship fixture with Brighton & Hove Albion.
“Samir has requested, and the Club has agreed, that his fine will go to charitable causes. A contribution will go to a charity of Cheltenham Festival’s choice; Rickley Park School, who Samir has worked closely with in the past; the Football League’s official charity partner Prostate Cancer UK and Willen Hospice, a charity which MK Dons supporters are raising money for by walking and kayaking to the upcoming match at Fulham.
“As a young man, Samir will learn from this incident and we hope, now, everyone can move on.”
The player has accepted the punishment and will not be appealing.
“I came to the meeting very angry and concerned as we have put huge effort into building a family-friendly reputation at MK Dons.
“However, it was clear Samir was sincere, contrite and all-encompassing with his apology. He has also taken full responsibility for his behaviour and understands the damage he has caused to his own and the Club’s reputation.
“Obviously, his actions are still unacceptable and, as a result, he has been disciplined. Samir has received a warning, been fined two weeks’ wages and handed a suspension by the Club, which is inclusive of this Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship fixture with Brighton & Hove Albion.
“Samir has requested, and the Club has agreed, that his fine will go to charitable causes. A contribution will go to a charity of Cheltenham Festival’s choice; Rickley Park School, who Samir has worked closely with in the past; the Football League’s official charity partner Prostate Cancer UK and Willen Hospice, a charity which MK Dons supporters are raising money for by walking and kayaking to the upcoming match at Fulham.
“As a young man, Samir will learn from this incident and we hope, now, everyone can move on.”
The player has accepted the punishment and will not be appealing.
