Fuller says Griffin "disrespected" him

Ricardo Fuller is led away by team-mates after the red mist led to the red card

Stoke City striker Ricardo Fuller said his sending off for slapping team mate Andy Griffin against West Ham United was a result of the club captain "disrespecting" him during a row over the conceding of a goal.

Griffin was at fault for West Ham's equaliser in the Premier League game and then became embroiled in an on-field dispute with the Jamaican striker.

The two players argued as Stoke prepared to restart the game after Carlton Cole's 51st-minute equaliser and Fuller had to be restrained after slapping Griffin, before being sent off for violent conduct.

"I simply said to Griff 'clear the ball out' and he was very rude and disrespectful," Fuller told Sky Sports News.

"What he said was bad but what I did was worse and I'm probably going to be suspended for three or four games."

"I feel bad, knowing I cost my team some points. I'm sorry for the fans and hope it never happens again," said the Jamaican international striker.

Asked about his future, he said: "It's up to the club. I give my all to Stoke, maybe I give too much and maybe that's why I'm in this position."