LAURENT ROBERT last night vehemently denied attacking a journalist after Newcastle United's Premiership game with Tottenham Hotspur last Sunday, writes Steven Baker.

As Newcastle conducted an internal investigation into Robert's altercation with Newcastle Evening Chronicle reporter Alan Oliver, the Frenchman proclaimed his innocence as he made his first public comment since the incident.

Witnesses claimed Robert had to be restrained by Lomano LuaLua as he clashed with Oliver in the St James' Park press room shortly after the match finished.

The 27-year-old was angry with an article he believed had been written by Oliver but had, in fact, been by his Chronicle colleague John Gibson.

Robert used his website yesterday to dismiss the accusation that he had assaulted Oliver.

He said: "In my first season with Newcastle, I was for this journalist a very important member of the team.

"I don't know why I have become a target for him this year.

"After our defeat at Bolton he went too far in his remarks. He said I didn't know what it meant to wear Newcastle's black and white colours.

"I accept criticism on my performances, but when I'm told things like that I lose my temper.

"I went to him and told him. But unlike what was said, there was no assault."

The Chronicle said on Monday that they were happy for Newcastle to deal with the matter internally.

Read more about Newcastle United FC here.