Harmison and Hoggard are former England colleagues

Durham pace bowler Steve Harmison has apologised to Yorkshire for his comments about their treatment of his ex-England team-mate Matthew Hoggard.

Harmison branded Yorkshire's conduct a "disgrace" after Hoggard was released by the club at the end of the season.

Durham said the player "may not have been in possession of the full facts of the case" and that they regretted "any embarrassment" caused to Yorkshire.

Durham's statement followed a complaint from Yorkshire.

Harmison spoke out last month after Hoggard was controversially let go after 15 years at the club.

"For him to have to leave Yorkshire is a disgrace," Harmison told BBC Sport.

"Here is a lad who has done well and been a great ambassador and now he needs Yorkshire a bit he has been binned and pushed aside."

Hoggard claimed that Yorkshire let him go for financial reasons but the county said the player rejected an "extremely competitive" offer at the start of the season - a claim Hoggard has disputed.

The 32-year-old seamer was Yorkshire's leading wicket-taker in the County Championship last season and has been offered a three-year deal by Leicestershire.

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