WANDERERS defender David Wheater has apologised to fans after he was caught on camera with team-mate Liam Trotter making an abusive gesture before Tuesday's 3-1 defeat at Brentford.

Trotter made his apologies following the game after the duo's actions went out live on a club periscope broadcast.

The club swiftly disciplined the pair on Wednesday morning, fining then and warning them as to their future conduct.

And Wheater, speaking to The Bolton News at an appearance at a community food project on Johnson Fold Estate after the club statement was issued, said: "I apologise if anyone was offended by my actions on Tuesday before the Brentford game.

"I must stress it was not aimed at the fans.

"Anyone who knows me knows I am not malicious.

"It was just a joke aimed at the staff member who I know who was filming and I didn’t know it was live.

"If I did I wouldn’t have done it and again I apologise for fans who saw it.

"Obviously we shouldn’t have done it.

"I am someone who likes a joke away from the pitch but it was wrong.

"I just have to get on with it and deal with the punishment.

"It was before the game not after and we thought it would be funny but obviously it was wrong.

"It’s done now and we have to deal with the consequences and move on."