Newcastle striker, Papiss Cisse has tendered “apologies” for his part in the spitting storm with Manchester United defender Jonny Evans on Wednesday night.
The Senegal international apparently spat at Evans, 27, in the first half of Newcastle home defeat by the Red Devils.
“I have apologies to make to a lot of people today,” Cisse said in a statement released by the Magpies. “Firstly to my teammates and to our supporters, secondly to Jonny Evans, and thirdly to every football fan who saw the incident between myself and Jonny.”
The Football Association says it awaits referee Anthony Taylor’s report before deciding on a possible action.
Northern Irish centre-back, Evans, in an earlier statement on Thursday, denies claims he spat at Cisse during the heated exchange.
Cisse further admits he should not have retaliated in the clash, which neither United manager nor Newcastle interim boss said they witnessed.
The Newcastle statement added: “”I reacted to something I found very unpleasant. Sometimes it is hard not to react, particularly in the heat of the moment. I have always tried hard to be a positive role model, especially for our young fans, and yesterday I let you down.
“I hope children out there playing football for their clubs and schools this weekend will know better than to retaliate when they are angry. Perhaps when they see the problem it now causes me and my team they will be able to learn from my mistake, not copy it.”
