When threads start getting ugly, they neeed to be closed. If someone wants to apologize, they can start another thread (like you have) and state their opinion. I am a totally unbiased observer, I don't have a dog in this fight. I also don't claim to know more than anyone else, but I am the one that receives the complaints.
People can state what they want without getting ugly. If you can't, then don't post on the soccer boards.