Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez has urged fans to stick together after defeat to Tottenham.

Fans protested against owner Mike Ashley before the game when several hundred gathered outside of his Sports Direct store in the city.

"I said that after the window was closed, we cannot change anything," said Benitez, who was frustrated by Ashley's lack of investment and ambition.

"My job is to be sure that the players give everything, and the fans have to be behind the team like they were last year and they were today. The message we have tried to give is very clear - focus on the pitch, focus on football.

"That is the main thing for me. I cannot control what is going on outside, but I will try to be sure that the players are confident that they can do a job."