Apologies are generally "fake" in a sense, because they are intended to change the consequences of a statement or action from negative to positive, or at least neutral, rather than to bring out the truth.

The apology and it's acceptance generally have less to do with what is right or wrong and more to do with simply pulling things back together and continuing to cooperate after a breach. Generally, it is preferable to all parties to do this rather than risk breaking up the game.

There are some people who, in the name of truth or whatever, dig in their heels and refuse to accept the apology and move on, and they are often surprised when they, rather than the transgressor, are the ones that get tossed out. Generally,right or wrong, people pull together to keep the game going.