Newcastle striker Papiss Cisse has apologised for his part in the spitting incident with Manchester United defender Jonny Evans on Wednesday night. The Senegal international appeared to spit at Evans before squaring up to his Red Devils opponent.
In a statement released by the club, he says: "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."
Evans has also released a statement today, denying spitting at Cisse.
In his statement, Cisse added: "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 positive a 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, not copy it."
