Carlisle United's Omari Patrick and Brennan Dickenson have apologised to the club and supporters for their involvement in a city-centre incident.

As the Blues confirmed two players had been disciplined, Patrick and Dickenson issued their own statements "taking full responsibility" for what happened.

Patrick said the sight of a female friend being "manhandled" and comments about himself had triggered his involvement in the incident.

Dickenson added that he was protecting his partner over an incident that had happened in the venue where the players had been on Saturday night.

The latter player also said a video, which emerged on social media yesterday appearing to show an altercation, "did not show everything that had happened".

But both accepted they should not have put themselves in a situation that attracted negative publicity to the club.

Patrick, 25, in a statement posted on social media, said: "I'm aware of the responsibilities I have in representing Carlisle United Football Club.

"I take full responsiblity for my actions on Saturday night.

"The reason for being out was a birthday celebration, not to drown my sorrows and show a bad attitude for losing the game [that day's 3-0 defeat to Swindon Town].

"The reason for my reaction was due to a female friend being man handled by a group of men, and for how I was treated and words that were said to me that were not football related - far worse - and in that case I felt I had to defend myself and the people who couldn't and shouldn't have to defend themselves.

"It doesn't excuse the fact I was there in the first place, but I wanted that to be understood instead of thinking I'm a trouble-maker.

"I should have known better. I apologise to the fans and the club for bringing attention to them at a time like this.

"All I can say is I'll do my best on and off the pitch to make it right. I have nothing but respectto the club and the fans, I'm someone who sticks up for my friends and family and, of course, myself - and I'll continue to show how much I love playing for this club."

Dickenson also posted comments on Twitter.

He began by apologising to "everyone associated with the club - fans, staff and players".

The 28-year-old, who is currently out of the team through injury, added: "With the current situation that we are in with regards to the league, it probably wasn't the best idea to be out especially in Carlisle, whether it was a birthday or not. So I take full responsibility for Saturday night.

"What I would also like to say is the video posted online does not show everything that happened.

"I feel that Omari was personally attacked for an unknown reason, therefore he reacted in the way that he did.

"And my actions were a result of protecting my partner of nine years as something happened inside the venue.

"So when you see and take the video at face value it looks terrible, however as stated above a lot more happened and just wanted to make this clear.

"I will do my utmost to make it up to everybody, and prove myself again and not let anything like this happen again.

"I really hope everyone can accept my apology and we can move on from this. So let's concentrate on the football and keeping the club in the Football League."

It had been confirmed by United yesterday that police had spoken to two first-team United players following the late night incident.

Video footage also emerged which appeared to show an altercation outside the Walkabout bar on Botchergate.

Carlisle today said "the two players involved - have been subject to "internal disciplinary procedure and sanctions".

In a statement, manager Keith Millen said: “They understand and acknowledge completely that their actions were unacceptable.

“We’ve dealt with it firmly and quickly as a club, and our focus is on working hard as we look towards another important game at the weekend.”

The off-field incident was a further distraction at United at a time the club are in deep relegation trouble in League Two amid calls from some fans for the removal of manager Millen and director of football David Holdsworth, as well as continued criticism over the club hierarchy for United's current plight.

They are second bottom in the division and next in action at Leyton Orient this weekend.