Celtic's Chris Sutton has apologised for his controversial comments on an emotionally-charged last day of the Premier League season.

The big striker accused Dunfermline of "lying down" in the 6-1 defeat by Rangers which secured the title for the Ibrox club on goal difference.

Sutton's outburst led to talk of legal action and punishment from the Scottish Football Association.

Now Sutton has moved to defuse the situation by issuing a statement through his agent John Viola.

"Chris regrets any offence that his remarks may have caused after yesterday's match," said Viola.

"They were said in the heat of the moment after an extraordinary week."

Sutton could well face a disrepute charge after the SFA revealed that they would investigate his accusations against Dunfermline.

"The comments have been referred to the general purposes committee on a potential charge of bringing the game into disrepute," said SFA spokesman Andy Mitchell.

"I don't have a date when that will come to a head, but it will be looked at some time during the close-season.

"The SFA will look at all relevant factors and an apology is a relevant factor - just as the original comments are."

Dunfermline chairman John Yorkston, who denied legal action was ever an option, was satisfied with Sutton's apology.

"We're delighted he has seen sense and apologised," Yorkston told BBC Scotland.

"The matter is over with as far as Dunfermline is concerned."

Sutton's harsh words came after he scored twice as Celtic were edged out of the title race on the final day of the season despite a 4-0 win away to Kilmarnock.

Sutton was booked during the match for complaining to the assistant referee and was red carded after the final whistle for continuing his protest.

The Celtic striker told BBC Scotland: "We knew Rangers were a good side, but today is a bit of a hollow victory for them.

"I think everybody could have virtually predicted the result at Ibrox before kick-off. Well, many people did.

"It is disappointing from the players who have put the effort in. We knew they'd lie down and they have done."

When asked if he thought the Pars had not been professional, Sutton said: "You would have to ask their manager and players."

Sutton also criticised Kilmarnock players saying: "They were wasting time when, normally, a team who are 4-0 down would be chasing the game."

Rangers manager Alex McLeish rejected suggestions that Dunfermline had handed his side the title.

"Dunfermline were dangerous," said McLeish. "How can you say that they lay down? I know Jimmy (Calderwood) was angry at losing the way he did.

"If Celtic were playing at home and we were travelling away to Kilmarnock then we would have expected Celtic, with the crowd behind them, to have scored goals.

"They have gone to Kilmarnock and won 4-0, so I have got to ask Chris, did Kilmarnock lie down?

"It has been a great fight and unfortunately in this great battle there had to be a loser."