Kyle Lafferty breaks 'sectarian' comment silence as Kilmarnock hit striker with fine after SFA charge

Kilmarnock have handed Kyle Lafferty a 'substantial' fine for his alleged sectarian comment following an investigation by the club and he will will work with Nil By Mouth on a weekly basis after the incident.

The Northern Ireland international withdrew from his national side's camp this month after a 'sectarian' incident occurred while Ian Baraclough's side were out for a 'team bonding session'. Rugby Park boss Derek Mcinnes addressed the actions of the player for the first time on Thursday and confirmed the SFA 's involvement in the case. Just hours later, Scottish football's governing body have hit Lafferty with a charge after breaching two SFA rules.

Ahead of the hearing will take place on October 20, the Rugby Park side have announced they have punished the striker, as well as stating that the striker ‘regrets’ his actions and admitted that he let everyone down with his behaviour, including the club, the supporters and his family.

A club statement read: " Kilmarnock Football Club has concluded its investigation into an alleged comment made by Kyle Lafferty which was circulated across social media via a video recording on Thursday, 22 September. The club can confirm that Kyle regrets his actions and acknowledges that he has let down himself, his family, the club and the supporters.

"Kilmarnock Football Club has subsequently taken internal action, including the serving of a substantial fine. The club has also engaged Scotland’s leading anti-sectarian charity, Nil By Mouth, which will work closely with Kyle on a one-to-one basis, in addition to delivering training to our first team squad and academy squad members, to provide education which the charity believes is key to tackling Sectarianism in society.

"Kyle has