MARK Yates has broken his silence after being charged with misconduct by the Football Association following an incident after the final whistle of Kidderminster Harriers' Nationwide Conference clash with Exeter City on February 17.

Harriers lost the Aggborough encounter 2-0 and Yates was alledgedly involved in an altercation with Grecians midfielder Lee Elam after referee Amy Rayner had blown for full-time.

After nine days of saying no comment', Yates yesterday issued an appology for his actions.

In a statement released on the club website, the Harriers manager said: "As many people now know, I have been charged by the Football Association following an incident after the Exeter City game.

"Although I am unable to comment in any detail on the incident that occurred after the final whistle pending the outcome of the FA charge I feel that after a horrible week some kind of public statement and apology is necessary.

"I would like to publicly apologise to my family, Exeter City and Lee Elam, the directors and officials at Kidderminster Harriers, as well as both sets of supporters for my actions.

"Kidderminster Harriers is a family club and I am a family man, and my actions were out of keeping with my character.

"The frustration and pressure of the job is no excuse but I am a young manager and have learned a lot from this regrettable incident.

"In the meantime, after a great result on Saturday and a semi-final of the FA Trophy to look forward to, I would like to concentrate on the team and the rest of the season.

"I am grateful to both clubs, my players and Lee Elam for their understanding and professionalism in handling this matter, and I wish Exeter and Lee all the best for the rest of the season.

"I hope everyone can respect that I can't make any further comment at this stage, that the FA and I can deal with the incident in private and that it is not allowed to affect the team or the rest of the season going forward."