Shane Long has apologised for his throwing his shirt to the ground after being substituted at Liverpool today.

Long endured a hugely frustrating afternoon, but reacted disappointingly, and boss Steve Coppell immediately gave the striker a dressing down for his display.

A series of innocuous fouls were given against the Irishman all afternoon, and he was deeply upset by constantly being penalised.

In any event, Coppell said his reaction was not acceptable, and Long quickly moved to apologise after the full time whistle.

He said, "I was disappointed in myself, I couldn't blame the manager for taking me off, it wasn't happening for me.

"I meant no disrespect to anyone, I wasn't fit to wear the shirt today. I didn't do it proud and just hope I can make it up next week.

"As I said, I meant no disrespect to the manager, staff or the fans. I shouldn't have done it.

"I felt a lot didn't go my way, every time I went near him [Skrtel] a free kick was given against me.

"I was disappointed going off the pitch, coming to a place like Anfield you want to impress. It didn't happen for me, I just hope I can make amends next week."

Coppell added, "Shane was frustrated with the official's decisions. He was up against a big uncompromising centre half but every time there was contact between them, the linesman's flag was on a spring and it was a Liverpool free-kick.

"He felt frustrated that he didn't get one decision all afternoon, it was a one-way street.

"Shane felt he was banging his head against a brick wall but I don't want to see the shirt throwing, Reading Football Club doesn't like to see that kind of thing and it won't happen again."

A full video with Shane is live on Reading World now - click here for a free preview.