MAGPIES coach Mick Malthouse has apologised for comments made on radio before Collingwood’s season-opener against Fremantle at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.

Malthouse, speaking pre-match on Melbourne’s Triple M, strongly voiced his disapproval over the restricted interchange rules in place for the NAB Cup, claiming “stupid people” were responsible for their implementation.

In a statement, the Magpies coach apologised “unreservedly” for his comments on the interchange rules for the pre-season competition, which restrict teams to a maximum of 16 interchanges per quarter.

“I wish to apologise unreservedly for using the terms ‘stupid’ and ‘ridiculous’ when referring to persons responsible for the introduction of the recently trialled interchange restriction rule,” Malthouse said.

“I will continue to voice strong opinions on AFL issues that stir my passion, but those opinions should not and will not in the future contain comments that are personal.

“I now recognise that last Saturday's comments where ill-considered and therefore apologise with regards to their personal nature.”