Cahill speaks out on red card

Melbourne City's Tim Cahill has spoken for the first time since being shown a red card at the end of Saturday's Melbourne derby.

Tim Cahill, yet to come on to the field, is sent-off. Source: AAP

Cahill was sent off, before he had even come on, for abusing the referee after a controversial late winning goal from Melbourne Victory. 

It was revealed that Cahill had called Chris Beath "a f**king disgrace" and urged Beath to "have a look at the big screen"

FFA handed Cahill a one match suspension, which means he will miss Saturday's match against Brisbane. 

"I want to address what happened in the Derby on Saturday night. I sincerely apologise to Chris Beath for my reaction," Cahill wrote on Facebook.

"My behaviour also hurt the game so I also apologise to my team, to Melbourne Victory and to all the fans at the game and watching at home.

"Regardless of whatever happens on the pitch, I have to respect the game and the officials.

"I want the game to grow in Australia and I want to do all I can to help that happen. No matter the situation, I have to set an example and be accountable for my words and actions.

"My job now is to focus totally on football and winning as many games as possible."