CRASH GORDON
Gordon Strachan admits ‘I’ve been depressed’ after being sacked for Adam Johnson comments
The former Celtic and Scotland manager sparked a furious backlash for comparing the treatment of paedo Johnson to racism towards black players
GORDON STRACHAN says he has suffered from depression since the Adam Johnson row that saw him axed from TV and radio.
The ex-Celtic and Scotland boss was ditched by Sky and talkSPORT for comparing the treatment of paedophile Johnson to racism towards black players.
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He sparked a furious backlash over the remarks he made on Sky Sports programme The Debate and later apologised.
Strachan, 62, said: "Here's the thing, we're talking about vile abuse and things like that.
"Say he goes onto the pitch and people start calling him names, are we going to start doing the same as it is with the racist situation."
A number of prominent black players and anti-racism campaigners condemned Strachan after footage of his comments circulated on Twitter.
In an , the 62-year-old opened up on the aftermath of the controversy.
After 47 years in the game, I'm now having to try and justify myself. I don't want to be known for that clumsy mistake. It's heartbreaking.
Gordon Strachan
Strachan - who this week spent time coaching teenagers at a Coventry school he helps fund - said: "The first time I walked back in here, I looked at the players.
"The black lads are all my mates, and I hope they don't think I trivialise racist abuse.
“After 47 years in the game, I'm now having to try and justify myself. I don't want to be known for that clumsy mistake. It's heartbreaking.
"I'm truly sorry for the clumsiness of my words. I got persecuted, humiliated and embarrassed for something that was clumsy.
“I wouldn't put my worst enemy through those three days. I didn't eat, couldn't sleep, couldn't speak to people. It affected my family.
“I still get it now. When I'm sitting on my own, it's 'woah'.
"I've been depressed. Even just now, watching this training session, is therapeutic for me.
“I like the camaraderie, the fun. I need conversation about football, doing a bit of coaching."
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The former Aberdeen, Man United and Leeds star is known for his prickly relationship with the media.
He added: "I've always known when I'm wrong.
"I wrote a couple of letters to referees, apologising for my behaviour [in the dug-out].
“I will never apologise for not being Roy Hodgson [Crystal Palace], all calm and collected.
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"I am what I am. I remember trying to do a Sir Alex Ferguson rant.
“Halfway through I realised what I doing so I tried to tidy it up a bit.
“When I got outside, I was like Basil Fawlty, on my knees, hitting the ground.
“The game changes you sometimes into somebody you don't like.
“It doesn't stop me being a good man. It's what Bill Shankly said.
“Somebody asked Shanks what makes a good player? Shanks went, 'They need to be able to control it and pass it, need to be fit, and need to be good men.'”
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