Ryon Jones, Star Writer

Jamaica's Reggae Boyz have apologised for protest action taken during the Digicel Caribbean Cup, which recently concluded in Martinique.

In a letter sent to the Jamaica Football Federation and members of the general public, the players described their actions as "not proper" and "misguided" and also apologised for an unintended embarrassment their actions may have caused the country.

"We have concluded that our actions, consequently, even though not intended, caused undue embarrassment to the country. This was not our intention. As a result, we are using this medium to publicly and unreservedly apologise to the JFF, the people of Jamaica, our families, all the Reggae Boyz fans in the diaspora and other parts of the world, for any role that we have played in this matter."

The national team, who were crowned Caribbean champions last week, refused to train before their penultimate preliminary round match against Grenada, after a pay dispute arose between themselves and the federation.

The team demanded they receive US$1,200 per diem and 80 per cent of the prize money should they win the tournament. In a meeting with the players before they left the island, the JFF had proposed 50 per cent of the fee and US$300 per diem. However, that was refused. That offer was increased to US$500, but the players also turned that down.

There was public outcry following the Boyz's stance, as Jamaicans at home and abroad viewed the players' action as embarrassing. Reggae Boyz captain for the tournament, Shavar Thomas, who was one of seven signatories to the letter, explained the reasons behind the players' decision to formally apologise.

"It was just based on our take of the situation and how we felt about it. We just decided that was not the way to go," Thomas said.

"It is not a situation where the players are against the JFF or anything of the sort, because we are working in conjunction. We just think it is the right move and we are looking forward to doing good things in 2011," he added.

According to the Kansas City player, the team are trying to put the situation behind them and move forward.

"It is a group thing. Right now I just consider the matter done and dusted, and we are just looking forward to 2011 and trying to do some good stuff in World Cup qualification, and first of all the Gold Cup," Thomas stated. The 29-year-old defender is not overly perturbed by the possibility of disciplinary action being taken against himself or the team.

"The JFF has a board and a committee that handle that, and they are the ones who will go about it the way they should, and we will see the outcome. If actions are taken against me personally, if that is how they see it, that's it."