Newcastle defender: My red card was not deliberate

Mike Williamson is reported to have apologised for his sending-off for Newcastle at Leicester on Saturday but denied his manager John Carver's claim that his dismissal was deliberate.

A statement attributed to the defender was reported by the BBC on Sunday following the Magpies' 3-0 defeat at the King Power Stadium which left them in serious danger of relegation. Dutch full-back Daryl Janmaat was also dismissed to leave interim boss Carver fuming.

The statement attributed to Williamson by the BBC read: "I would like to take this opportunity to apologise to the Newcastle United supporters and my fellow team-mates for getting sent off during yesterday's game.

"There was absolutely no intent to hurt (Leicester's) Jamie (Vardy) or get sent off, but I recognise I should have been more composed and measured in my determination to win the ball. Unfortunately, it did the one thing that I never wanted to do, and that was hurt the team.

"Moving forward, I will do whatever I can to help my team-mates prepare for the next two games and fight to get back into the team when I'm next available.

"I've had the honour to play for Newcastle United for five years now, and I can genuinely say that I feel privileged to play for this football club. I would never do anything intentionally to hurt the team or its supporters."