New Delhi, Mar 21 (IANS): Senior hockey player Prabhjot Singh Saturday apologised for his finger-wagging incident after India's World Cup match against Argentina. The forward said he was instigated by the "provocative behaviour" of a section of the crowd.

After India's loss in the classification match for seventh place March 13, some fans booed Prabhjot, who retaliated by showing his middle finger.

Replying to the showcause notice issued by Hockey India, Prabhjot said: "I apologise for the incident. I am committed towards hockey and have played the game with devotion. I do not intend to bring the game or the national team in disrespect."

Prabhjot said the incident was a result of a series of events.

"A group of people had been staying back after every match, passing offensive comments about me and the team during our cool down sessions. I had ignored their provocative behavior in the previous matches. However, after our last match, they came to the protective fence and made offensive comments about me, my family, and the team. They also made derogatory and provocative gestures."

"I reacted in the heat of the moment and this was picked up by the media."