By Frank McAvennie

24th Sep, 2021 | 7:00am

McAvennie: Celtic loanee Griffiths was 'getting dogs abuse' before lashing out amid Police Scotland update

Celtic loanee Leigh Griffiths was not trying to injure anyone when he kicked a flare into a group of fans on Wednesday night.

That’s the opinion of former Hoops hitman Frank McAvennie, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the controversial incident.

On Wednesday night, footage shared to social media appeared to show Griffiths kicking a flare into a group of St Johnstone fans.

Sky Sports report Police Scotland are looking into the matter.

In the footage, Griffiths appears to be getting abused by the travelling fans before he lashes out which in turn prompted an even stronger response.

McAvennie insists Griffith won’t have intended to hurt anyone and will regret his actions.

“He was getting dogs abuse, it was daft,” McAvennie told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.

“I know he meant to kick it but I don’t think he was meant to kick it that far, that’s for sure.

“I think he shocked himself. That’s Leigh. He’s off the cuff and he does things like that.

“It is what it is, he just has to take the punishment because there is nothing he can do now.

“Griffiths wouldn’t do it again if he had the chance, I’m sure he wasn’t trying to hurt anyone. He’ll be sorry.

“He will get a fine and we can all move on.”

Griffiths joined Dundee on loan during the summer.

He has so far made three outings this season.

In other news, Injury expert: This is what Celtic are doing behind the scenes to get Furuhashi fit sooner.