Leicester boss Nigel Pearson has apologised after calling a journalist an "ostrich" in a bizarre spat.
The Foxes manager was involved in a discussion with reporter Ian Baker after being asked to clarify his complaints over the criticism his players had received this season
Pearson then called Baker an "ostrich" because his head "must be in the stand" for not understanding Pearson's viewpoint in the press conference following Leicester's 3-1 defeat to Chelsea.
Pearson started Thursday's press conference, to preview Saturday's game against Newcastle, by apologising to Baker.
He said: "Ian, before we start apologies for last night. I think it's right to do it in front of the cameras rather than pulling you to one side so I apologise for that and I hope it doesn't ruin our relationship.
"I react, that's it. I think it's emotion as much as anything, which again I am not afraid of. I'm not afraid of showing my emotions. I get labelled with certain titles which is people's prerogative to say what they want about me and I'm happy to fight my own corner.
"But I will also accept when I have stepped out of line which is why Ian's due an apology, it's the right thing for me to do today.
"I wasn't happy with losing the game, there we are. I don't like losing. I felt for the players, they worked exceptionally hard again and tried to keep the run going."
It was not the first time Pearson had been involved in a spat with a journalist this season, calling one a p***k after Leicester's 0-0 draw with Hull in March.
Pearson hinted he felt his players had been given unfair criticism this season, despite only climbing out of the relegation zone for the first time since November at the weekend.
He was asked what in particular had upset the manager only to be met with angry responses.
"If you don't know the answer to that question then I think you are an ostrich" - Nigel Pearson
Pearson said: "Have you been on holiday for six months? Have you been away for six months?
"I think you must have been either 'head in the clouds' or away on holiday or reporting on a different team because if you don't know the answer to that question your question is absolutely unbelievable, the fact you do not understand where I am coming from.
"If you don't know the answer to that question then I think you are an ostrich. Your head must be in the sand. Is your head in the sand? Are you flexible enough to get your head in the sand? My suspicion would be no."
Pearson continued to talk at the writer despite a member of Leicester's media team trying to wrap up the press conference.
He added: "Listen, you have been here often enough and for you to ask that question, you are either being very, very silly or you are being absolutely stupid, one of the two because for you to ask that question. I am sorry son, you are daft.
"You are wrong. No, you are wrong. You have been in here, I know you have so don't give that crap with me, please don't give that crap with me.
"I will smile at you because I can afford to smile at you. Now do you want to ask a different question or do you want to ask it differently. Come on, ask it. Ask it or are you not capable?"
