Mohamed Elyounoussi has admitted it was “unacceptable” to be on his phone during Celtic’s loss to Sparta Prague.
The Norwegian says he was checking the score of the other Europa League Group H match between AC Milan against Lille when he was caught on TV cameras having a look after being subbed in the 4-1 loss.
Elyounoussi says the matter is now finished after he explained himself to boss Neil Lennon and skipper Scott Brown.
But the 26-year-old accepts he was still in the wrong and will take any punishment which comes his way from the club.
Speaking to VG, Elyounoussi said: “First of all, this is unacceptable from me. I have talked to both the coach and the captain and the case is dead between us.
“The phone is just out of pocket. I have warnings from Milan-Lille, the second match in our group, and I just wanted to check the result in that match.
“In any case, it is stupid of me to put myself in that situation. I lie down and take the punishment I’ll now possibly get.”
Chris Sutton reacted furiously to Elyounoussi’s actions. He stated the player should be fined two weeks wages and questioned his commitment to the cause.
Elyounoussi added: “I heard what Sutton commented and that is 100 per cent wrong. On the contrary. I am very dedicated.”
