Newcastle United striker Papiss Cisse has issued a public apology over the incident involving him with Manchester United defender Jonny Evans.
The Senegalese international and United centre-back’s incident has been investigated by the Football Association (FA) over spitting allegations during Louis van Gaal’s side 1-0 victory over the Tyneside club.
Earlier in the day, Evans issued a statement, denying his involvement. Cisse claims his reaction was “unpleasant” and happened at the heat of the moment.
“I have apologies to make to a lot of people today. 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,” Cisse said in the statement released on Newcastle’s official website.
“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.”
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