Sir Bobby: I'd never condemn the fans

The 71-year-old Magpies manager found himself embroiled in controversy after off-the-record comments about supporters were beamed live on an internal feed to certain sections of St James' Park.

Sir Bobby was speaking after his side had been booed off the field following Sunday's 1-1 draw with Wolves, which jeopardised the club's chances of qualifying for the Champions League.

He refused to comment publicly about the fans' response, but when he thought the cameras had been turned off, he made his views known.

The former England manager drew unflattering comparisons between the rapturous reception Leeds United players had received despite being relegated from the Premiership, and the frosty response given to the Newcastle team at the end of their final home game.

The comments were televised live in the St James' Park boardroom, the corporate boxes and the 1892 club, leading to considerable criticism of Sir Bobby from fans' groups yesterday.

But Sir Bobby last night issued a statement denying suggestions he had rounded on Newcastle's fans.

And Tyne Tees reporter Ian Payne, who conducted the interview, also attempted to defuse the situation by insisting that Sir Bobby had not used foul language.

Sir Bobby said: "I've been a Newcastle supporter for 60 years - since as long as I can remember and probably longer than half of the public who were in the stadium on Sunday.

"I would never criticise them - never. How could I when I am one of them myself?

"When the team loses a game, or isn't doing as well as it could be, then it hurts me as much as anybody and possibly more.

"What frustrates me is that every time we don't win, people suggest we haven't fought hard enough. But that's not fair on the players.

"We have to stand by the players who are in the side. We're called Newcastle United. We've got an important few days coming up and that's how we should be - united. We have to stick together."