SOUTH American star Tino Asprilla brought an end to the most remarkable transfer saga in North-East football history yesterday when he finally turned his back on Darlington FC.

And, as he boarded an early morning British Airways flight to Gatwick and onwards to a rumoured lucrative deal in Dubai, he delivered a parting message to stunned supporters: "Tell the fans I am sorry and hope they will forgive me."

His dramatic departure brought an end to the audacious attempt to sign the former Parma and Newcastle United striker for the Third Division team.

Darlington's flamboyant chairman, George Reynolds, was waiting in his office at the club's new 25,000-seat Neasham Road stadium for a meeting with Asprilla yesterday morning when he was told by telephone that the striker "had done a runner".

The Colombian's friends said he was driven to Newcastle Airport at 5am yesterday and had flown to London, where he was believed to be staying last night.

Mr Reynolds said: "I am gutted. I cannot believe what is happening after all we have been through to secure Asprilla. For him to renege at this stage is an act of betrayal."

He said the proposed transfer ran into difficulties on Wednesday when Asprilla failed to turn up for a 9.30am medical, claiming he was suffering from jet lag. The examination was re-arranged for the afternoon.

"He failed to bring his passport with him, which was needed for the Home Office and then he dropped the bombshell that he wanted us to double his financial package," said Mr Reynolds.

His demand came just hours after the chairman seemed on the brink of clinching the deal when he persuaded a Home Office appeals panel to award the 32-year-old a work permit.

The Home Office letter sanctioning Asprilla's employment until June 30, 2004, made it clear that approval was granted on "condition that the contract agreed with the player is on the same terms and condition as stated to the review panel in Sheffield".

"I told him what the panel had ruled and that, while I was prepared to give him a better deal on gate takings, I could not increase the package without bankrupting the club," said Mr Reynolds.

But he added: "This bitter disappointment has now made me more determined than ever to find some top level players to boost our team."