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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Damien Edgar

John Bell and Andrew McDade apologise for involvement in Michaela McAreavey video

Two men have issued a statement apologising for their involvement in a video where people mocked the murdered teacher Michaela McAreavey.

Mrs McAreavey, daughter of former Tyrone GAA manager Mickey Harte, was murdered 10 days into her honeymoon in Mauritius in 2011.

John Bell and Andrew McDade said it was a matter of "great shame and regret" that they became involved in the video.

Read more: Linfield FC sack volunteer coach over "sickening" Michaela McAreavey video

The men's statement said they had been taking part in a Facebook Live video which was not specifically meant to broadcast the singing, but accepted "the relevant chants should never have been sung either in public or private".

"We offer our sincerest apology to the Harte and McAreavey families, and indeed to wider society for our actions which whilst fuelled by alcohol, can neither be mitigated or excused in any shape or form.

"Our apology is unequivocal, and our acceptance of wrongdoing is absolute.

"The incident is not reflective of who we are as people, nor more importantly our respective families and friends."

The men said that their friends and families had been subjected to online abuse and threats, which they said was "unfair and unwarranted - it is us and us alone who are responsible for our actions".

They said their actions were not representative of the wider unionist, loyalist or Orange community.

"Whilst it is scant consolation for the hurt our actions will have caused, we will write a formal letter of apology to the Harte and McAreavey families and make a confidential donation to a charity of their choice," they said.

The incident has been condemned by politicians from across the spectrum in Northern Ireland.

The Grand Orange Lodge has said it is investigating the incident and the PSNI has said it is examining the video for evidence on whether any offences were committed.

A Linfield FC voluntary coach has been removed from his role at the club over his involvement in the video.

Read more: Michaela McAreavey: Orange Order investigating "abhorrent" video

Read more: Lawyer for Michaela McAreavey's family believes police closer than ever to a breakthrough

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