SEAN O'Driscoll has apologised to Cherries fans for what the club described as the "unfortunate mix-up" which followed Saturday's 1-0 defeat by Lincoln City at Dean Court.

Confusion reigned following the final whistle as hundreds of fans waited for O'Driscoll's squad to return to the pitch to take part in the traditional end-of-season lap of honour.

But Cherries Tannoy man Geoff Barker informed fans that the players would not be appearing because they were "cold and wet" - only to reverse his announcement just minutes later.

O'Driscoll, speaking on behalf of the club, told their official website: "The management and players would like to apologise to everybody who was disappointed with the players taking so long to return to the field after Saturday's game.

"I must also apologise for Geoff Barker's comments where he stated that the players were too cold and wet to come back - this was wrong, I don't know where this came from.

"On police advice, due to the trouble that had happened in and around the ground both before, during and after the game, we were advised to come straight off the pitch. We were awaiting confirmation to return which didn't come until some time after the final whistle.

"When the signal came, a few of the players were in different states of dress due to the downpour that had happened late in the second half. This again took time to rectify before the players made their way back on to the pitch.

"We have been extremely grateful for the support that we have received this season and with one more game to be played at the Fitness First, we hope to pay tribute to the fans properly."