A TORY MP who labelled thousands of partying football fans as “scumbag hooligans” has today apologised.

Robert Halfon came under fire after he tweeted his disgust at litter left by thousands of Sunderland supporters in Covent Garden during a celebration on Saturday night ahead of Sunday’s Capital One Cup Final.

Football fans across the country – and even members of his own party – hit back at the member for Harlow in Essex.

Mr Halfon later defended himself by saying he did not specifically mention SAFC fans and added that his comments had been “misunderstood”.

Now he has come out with an unreserved apology and said he regrets the tweet.

He said: “I would like to stress that in no way did I single out any Sunderland fans or any other fans from any club, but I accept the way this has been interpreted.

“I do regret most sincerely that my emotive tweet did not reflect the distinction between a minority who had smashed glass and the majority of decent fans who were just celebrating as any fan would do.

“I am very sorry for the difficulties and offence this has caused.”

Metropolitan Police praised fans of the Black Cats and opponents Manchester City, after just four arrests were made on Sunday.

A Sunderland fan was also arrested after being allegedly involved in a disturbance in the West End on Saturday night.