Former Newcastle United midfielder Olivier Bernard has jumped to the defence of the club's French foreign legion.

Newcastle's nine-strong French side have been singled out for criticism in the wake of the club's worst result at St James' Park in 87 years.

"I was as angry as anyone about the Liverpool performance but it was the whole team at fault, not just the French," he told the Daily Star.

"It was a white flag that was raised, not the Tricolour.

"To say the French players gave up is wrong. It is not in our mentality to give up easily and I find it insulting."

Bernard also dismisses claims that Toon captain Yohan Cabaye is creating divisions in the dressing room.

He added: "It is true, Yohan is a big influence, but a good one, not a divisive one. Yes, he has helped his fellow Frenchmen to settle in and they may approach him for advice but surely that is a good thing?

"Cabaye is the heart of Newcastle. A few weeks ago everyone was saying he is their best player and now they say he is what is wrong, which is not true."