Mexicans contrite after banned for indiscretions

MEXICO CITY (AFP) - Two Mexican players excluded from their Copa America squad for indiscipline on Friday publicly apologised for their indiscretions.

The Mexican Football Federation suspended eight youngsters for six months and fined them 4,170 dollars after reports they invited women to their hotel rooms following last weekend's friendly win in Ecuador.

Thefts subsequently occurred at the hotel and national team director Hector Gonzalez Inarruti came down hard on the group.

But two of them, Nestor Vidrio and Israel Jimenez said they were sorry.

"I ask the public, the fans and my teammates to forgive me," said Vidrio, 22, as he read out a statement in Guadalajara to the media.

"Today I realise the extent of (my mistake)," said the Atlas defender.

Jimenez also admitted his wrongdoing.

"It was a lack of discipline and I accept the consequences, I accept my punishment, said the 21-year-old, who plays for Tigres.

Both players also face a fine from their clubs.

Mexico, whose senior team defeated the United States in the CONCACAF Gold Cup final on Saturday, had decided to send a squad of players aged under 22 to the tournament in Argentina, supplemented by five older players.

The other players punished were Jonathan dos Santos (Barcelona B), Jorge Hernandez (Jaguares), David Cabrera (Pumas), Marco Fabián (Guadalajara), Javier Cortes (Pumas) and Nestor Calderon (Toluca).

Mexico, regular special guests to the South American event, open their Copa campaign against Chile on Monday and later face Peru and Uruguay in Group C.