Derby County chief operating officer John Vicars has apologised after he took a dig at Ipswich Town's style of play.

Vicars wrote on Twitter after Saturday's victory at Portman Road that Mick McCarthy's side play a route-one game and has since deleted the tweet.

He wrote: "Proved today this team can play another way and actually quite amusing that we beat them at their own game #routeone."

The East Anglian Daily Times today received a statement from Vicars which read: "Regarding comments I made on Twitter after Saturday's game at Portman Road these were meant to be lighthearted and aimed primarily at Derby County supporters.

"It was not my intention to cause offence to Ipswich supporters and I apologise to any home supporter who thought they might have been disrespectful to their club.

"Saturday was a magnificent advert for the Championship and both clubs more than played their part."

Derby's 1-0 win took them above Ipswich and into second place, level on points with league leaders Bournemouth.