Newcastle United striker Obafemi Martins has apologised for the way he behaved when he was taken off against Middlesbrough on the weekend.

The Nigerian however has said he should not have been taken off due to the circumstances of the game.

"I was absolutely gutted at being hauled off and it was all down to sheer disappointment," he told the Newcastle Evening Chronicle.

"Like any other player, I am always disappointed when I am substituted, but I am sorry if what I did was a problem.

"In hindsight, perhaps it was wrong for me to go into the dressing room and not go on the bench.

"I was feeling good and felt as though I could score and I still don't understand why I was called off.

"I don't suppose it was a surprise that Mark Viduka was brought on, especially as there were no goals, but I was hoping I would get the chance to play alongside him and Michael Owen and not be the one to make way for him.

"When the three of us were used together as a three-pronged attack last season, we had a fair amount of success."