Taylor Moore apologised after Bristol Rovers' heavy 4-0 loss to Swindon Town in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy.
The Gas came into the contest full of confidence after securing back-to-back wins in October, beating Charlton Athletic and Burton Albion in Sky Bet League One.
They were looking to move into second place in Southern Group G but were beaten by the Robins. Paul Glatzel scored a brace before Joel McGregor's strike, and Botan Ameen's header gave the hosts a comfortable advantage going into half-time.
Moore was frustrated with the performance and was sorry to the fans, stating that the players take responsibility.
The main word that I’m going to put forward is embarrassment...
"It’s hard to put into words, but obviously being captain tonight and speaking on behalf of everyone, the main word that I’m going to put forward is embarrassment," he said.
"I think every one of us, that’s myself included, have got to hold themselves accountable for what’s happened here tonight.
"It’s very easy to point fingers at other people and tactics. People blame the manager or the owners, but that’s an excuse and tonight, I’m not deferring whatsoever, the actual problem was us the players.
"The minute we step onto that pitch we need to be better and be more professional and I just think from minute one tonight, unfortunately, each and every one of us can say that we are embarrassed about tonight's performance for sure."
We had a complete lack of heart tonight...
"We’ve been in a poor run of form in the league lately, but we’ve been able to turn that around with two wins in two," said the defender.
"I think coming here tonight I genuinely felt that we had a bit of a spring in our step and if we could finish with another win before the international break in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy, it would give us a platform to build on.
"I think the shock of losing 4-0 here tonight against a Swindon team that caused us some issues, but I don’t think they were any better than we were. The main thing that I can say from us as a team tonight is just a complete lack of heart tonight."
That is not acceptable and it’s not our standards...
"The fans have come here on a Tuesday night," said Taylor. So, to each and every one of those fans that sat up in that stand, I apologise. We all apologise as a team because that is not acceptable and it’s not our standards.
"I know the Bristol Street Motors Trophy and the league are two completely different things. I think the fans would all agree on that, but the important thing is every time you put on a shirt, no matter what club it is, you actually take personal pride in your own performance and the way you conduct yourself."
We’re looking at how we can get better...
"In many ways, I’m going to say no to this taking away any momentum," he said. "We know where we are at as a team. This is a new squad that’s come together, but we’re at a point in the season now where we’re not making excuses anymore.
"We’re looking at how we can get better. We want to move up the table, first and foremost, the league is the most important thing for us.
"So, off the top positive performances and two wins, I’m going to say no to this taking away momentum, but I definitely think it’s a wake-up call for a lot of players in that dressing room tonight."
