Newcastle United assistant manager John Carver has issued an apology to the club’s fans after his actions ahead of last weekend’s tie with Southampton.
The 49-year-old was involved in an altercation with the club’s fans after he saw banners displaying anger towards the club’s coaching staff and boss Alan Pardew.
Newcastle sit rock bottom of the Premier League after a torrid start and calls for the English boss and his assistant to leave are being made on a daily basis around the club.
In a short statement, Carver said: “In the warm-up, I was disappointed to see banners that could, in my opinion, distract the players and take focus away from the job in hand – namely winning the match.
“I went over to our fans to ask them to help us and requested that they take the banners down. The vast majority of supporters back the team through thick and thin and I am very proud to be one of them. I was met with abuse from one supporter and I regret that I responded inappropriately. I sincerely apologise for any offence caused by my reaction.
“Every fan is entitled to an opinion, positive or negative, and I respect that. I hope fans will understand that I, like them, only wanted what was best for the team. I am proud to work for my home town club and would ask every supporter to back the players and all staff, as they really can make a difference.”le and I regret my actions and apologise for any offence caused.”