Reading striker Shane Long has apologised for his shirt-throwing tantrum during his side's 2-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday.The Republic of Ireland international reacted angrily to being substituted just past the hour mark by throwing his shirt to the ground.

Royals boss Steve Coppell played down the incident after the match and Long says his reaction was down to his frustration at his own display and not at Coppell's decision to replace him.

"There was no disrespect meant to the manager, the club or the fans. I was just disappointed with myself for not performing as well as I could have," Long told The Sun.

"I wasn't blaming the manager at all. I'm sorry, it wasn't the right thing to do.

"It was just frustration and I apologised to the gaffer."

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