A video clip has emerged online allegedly showing a detained England fan apologizing for defacing a monument outside Spartak Stadium in Moscow where England were playing Colombia in the World Cup last 16.
The fan, named in the Russian press as Rufus Hall, is seen in a clip apologizing for allegedly scrawling ‘England’ across the monument to late Russian football player Fyodor Cherenkov outside Spartak Stadium, where England were taking on Colombia.
READ MORE: England fan detained after statue defaced outside World Cup stadium in Moscow
The fan was reportedly held by police, and footage has now emerged purporting to show the fan making a full apology.
“I’m so sorry, I feel embarrassed,” says the man, who is seen wearing a white shirt with the Three Lions England badge on it, as well as a Cross of St. George flag wrapped around his head.
“I’ve loved this country for the two days I’ve been here. Your people have been welcoming, so I would never disrespect this country.
"I respect the history, and had I known this would offend people I would never have done it, and I wholly apologize."
Reports emerged that the fan had been detained shortly after kick-off at Spartak Stadium in the World Cup game between England and Colombia, which the Three Lions won on penalties.
The monument has since been scrubbed clean, and Russian media reports suggest it was England fans that did the washing.
READ MORE: Three Lions give Colombia marching orders with agonizing shootout win
The stadium is home to Russian club Spartak Moscow, whom Cherenkov played for during the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s.