Newcastle United caretaker coach Chris Hughton insists there's been no interference from owner Mike Ashley.

There were rumours after the match that owner Mike Ashley had been down to the dressing room at half-time to express his disappointment. Hughton dismissed them, however.

"Mike wasn't in the changing room at half-time," he insisted. "He came down to see the staff after the game. That's normal for Mike.

"We spoke about the game. He was encouraged by the first hour of the game and in particular the first half, but shared our disappointment that we didn't get more out of it."