Jack Grealish apologises to Everton fans after discipline absence

Jack Grealish has apologised to Everton's fans and the club after missing three matches because of a breach of club discipline.

The absence covered two games against Newcastle United, one in the Premier League and one in the Carabao Cup, which is England's League Cup. He also missed Everton's win over Coventry City. The club has not given details of the breach.

Grealish posted his apology on his Instagram story. He said he loves playing for Everton and cannot wait to be back in front of the fans. His return came on Thursday, in a win over Derby County. That game was played behind closed doors, meaning without supporters in the stadium. Derby play in the Championship, the second tier of English football.

Before the Coventry match, Everton manager David Moyes was asked whether the international break, a pause in club fixtures while national teams play, might help settle the situation. He replied: "We just need to wait and see how things go."

Grealish is on his second loan spell with Everton this season. A loan is a temporary move to another club, and the player remains under contract with his parent club. He had made six appearances before the disciplinary absence. In his previous loan spell, he scored twice in 22 games before an injury cut it short.

Manchester City paid £100m for Grealish in 2021, which makes his path back to regular football a closely watched one. Everton's next move will show whether the apology settles matters, or whether the wait Moyes described has further to run.