FOOTBALL Ipswich Town and England footballer Kevin Beattie has apologised to his fans after admitting falsely claiming benefits.

Kevin Beattie, 58, of Wren Avenue, Ipswich, won nine caps from his country in the 1970s and was part of Sir Bobby Robson’s golden era at Ipswich Town.

Today, he spoke to BBC Radio Suffolk about his appearance in magistrates court earlier this week.

Mr Beattie thanked fans for their support, claiming they had “been superb”, but said wearing a tag around his leg was “a bit embarassing”.

Earlier this week, Ipswich magistrates heard that the FA Cup winner was now living off “extremely limited means” and acting as a full time carer for his wife who suffered from multiple sclerosis.

He was ordered to stay in doors between 10pm and 6am for 12 weeks on a curfew order after admitting falsely claiming almost �9,000 by failing to inform the Department of Work and Pensions that he had begun work as a pundit for BBC Radio Suffolk.

“I have to say sorry because I don’t like letting people down and I never meant to let people down.”

He added: “My brains are in my feet and I didn’t realise I had to do that (inform the Department of Work and Pensions).”