Jack Grealish apologises to Everton fans after disciplinary absence

Jack Grealish has apologised to Everton supporters and the club after missing three matches following a disciplinary breach. BBC Sport reported that the midfielder returned to action on Thursday in a behind-closed-doors victory over Derby County, his first appearance since the absence that kept him out before the international break.

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The 31-year-old missed two fixtures against Newcastle United, one in the Premier League and the other in the Carabao Cup, as well as Everton’s win over Coventry. BBC Sport described his absence as the consequence of a breach of club discipline. Its report did not specify what the breach involved, and Grealish’s published apology did not detail the incident.

Writing on his Instagram story after the Derby game, Grealish said he was pleased to be playing alongside his team-mates again following several days of training. He apologised to the fans and everyone at Everton for being unable to help the team in recent weeks. He also stressed his enjoyment of playing for the club and his desire to return in front of its supporters.

Manager David Moyes had been asked about the situation before the Coventry match, specifically whether the international break would provide an opportunity to resolve it. His response at that stage was non-committal: he said Everton would have to wait to see how matters developed. Thursday’s outing against Championship opposition marked Grealish’s return to action, although it was not a competitive fixture.

Grealish is in his second loan spell at Everton from Manchester City. He scored twice across 22 appearances for Everton last season before injury brought that loan spell to an early end. After returning for another season, he made six appearances before his latest spell out of the side, according to BBC Sport’s account.

The midfielder’s time at Everton has followed a loss of favour at City, who paid £100m for him in 2021. His apology expressed eagerness to wear an Everton shirt in front of the fans again, but the BBC report did not identify a date for his next competitive appearance.