Newcastle midfielder Nicky Butt has issued an apology to the club's fans after being caught in the fall-out of the club's double cup heartache.
The 30-year-old England international headed straight down the tunnel at the Millennium Stadium at the end of Sunday's 4-1 FA Cup semi-final defeat by former club Manchester United, failing to acknowledge the 35,000 black and white supporters.
He later left the stadium with United boss Alex Ferguson after declining requests for media interviews, sparking a backlash in the Tyneside press.
However, the summer signing from United, said today: "There has been suggestion that I deliberately snubbed the fans after the semi-final on Sunday.
"I wish to go on record and state that was not my intention. If anyone has been left with that impression," I apologise.
"Immediately after the game, I was distraught about the result and our performance.
"I was also deep in thought about my own game as I desperately wanted to make a big impression, especially against Manchester United.
"We have a number of big games left and as a group of players we will be giving 100% to try and improve our current league position because that's what the fans deserve."
The Butt controversy is the latest to engulf the Magpies after the infamous on-field bust-up between team-mates Kieron Dyer and Lee Bowyer - the latter today admitted the FA charge brought against him ahead of his hearing on Friday - and Laurent Robert's outspoken criticism of the team last week.
Add to that the defeats by Sporting Lisbon and United which ended their hopes of a first trophy in 36 years, and there is a growing unrest around St James' Park.
Speculation is now rife that manager Graeme Souness will have a major clear-out this summer.
