Gurbux Singh has resigned from his post as chairman of the Commission for Racial Equality after admitting using threatening behaviour during a disturbance at a cricket match.

Singh was arrested by police in July after a confrontation outside Lord's cricket ground following a one-day international between India and England.

After pleading guilty at Bow Street Magistrates Court in London on Wednesday morning, Singh was handed a £500 fine, plus £55 costs, for the offence.

But the conviction prompted his resignation from the £125,000-a-year role as head of the government's equality watchdog.

His lawyer said Singh was a man of "honour and integrity" who would punish himself for the incident more severely than the court could.

Singh took over as chairman of the CRE in May 2000 when he succeeded Lord Ouseley.

He had already apologised to staff for the incident.

In an email to employees, Singh said: "I would like to apologise to each one of you for any embarrassment you may have experienced, either collectively or individually, following events at Lord's cricket ground on July 13.

"I have offered an unreserved apology to the appropriate authorities regarding the matter."

The government said it was "sorry" to see Singh go.

Home Office minister Lord Filkin said the resignation was "the best way to draw a line under recent events and to ensure that the commission is able to get on with its important programme of work on race equality without distraction".

"Gurbux has made an exceptional personal contribution to race equality in Britain throughout his chairmanship of the CRE over the past 2 years. He has led the commission with great ability through a period of important change in race relations in this country.

"Under his direction the commission has embarked on a radical programme of modernisation, and he has ensured that the commission is ready to face the challenges of modern Britain."

Beverley Bernard, currently deputy chair of the CRE, is to act as chair for an interim period.

"I have today stepped down as chairman of the Commission for Racial Equality.

I have decided to do so in order that a line can be drawn under recent events. I also believe this to be in the best interests of both the CRE and race relations in general.

I have communicated my decision to the Home Office and my departure is by mutual consent.

I would like to thank CRE staff and commissioners for their recent support and, more importantly, for their hard work and dedication over the past two years.

I have every confidence that they will successfully deliver the important agenda that lies before them.

It is imperative for the CRE to focus on this agenda in the interests of those individuals who face racial discrimination on a daily basis.

I deeply regret this entire incident and now wish to put it behind me. I hope that the media will respect this and allow both myself and my family some privacy."

"Under Gurbux's leadership the past two years have seen a major change in racial equality.

During his time at the CRE, Gurbux has been instrumental in providing both the vision and direction to deliver our objectives. He led a national debate around citizenship and identity and set in motion a programme of modernisation for the CRE.

On top of this he established a partnership approach to working with public bodies to help them meet their legal duty to eliminate unlawful discrimination, promote equality of opportunity and good race relations.

Our priority is to continue delivering the important programme of work set by the commission. At its heart that is about supporting national, local government and communities to create a modern Britain free from discrimination and characterised by social justice and equality of opportunity for all.

The commissioners would like to thank Gurbux for the crucial role he has played in leading a programme of work that will improve the lives and opportunities of people up and down the country.

Gurbux brought a rational voice to the very emotive subject of race relations, and we are extremely grateful for his contribution to both the CRE and racial equality in general. His commitment and passion was evident in every task that he undertook as chairman of the CRE and we would like to wish him all the very best for the future."