Frank McAvennie backtracks on Auston Trusty 'woke' claim after furious Celtic fans backlash

McAvennie apologised after Celtic fans criticised his 'woke' comments about defender Trusty's bereavement leave following his father's death.

Frank McAvennie has apologised for comments he made on his podcast criticising Auston Trusty's absence from Celtic following the death of the US defender's father. Trusty lost his dad ahead of the Europa League clash with Celta Vigo last month and has not featured since the 4-1 defeat to Benfica on October 15. The player was permitted to return to the United States over the weekend to attend his father's funeral while Celtic lost 2-0 away to Falkirk.

McAvennie initially described the decision to grant Trusty leave of absence as 'woke', but faced significant backlash from Celtic supporters on social media. In a statement posted on X, the former Parkhead forward acknowledged his comments were insensitive and apologised, saying: "Everyone deals with grief differently, and I certainly meant no disrespect to Auston or his family." He added that he was "clumsily" trying to express that Celtic need the player back.