Newcastle's Mike Williamson apologises for Leicester red card - but rejects John Carver accusations - The Mirror

The Magpies chief claimed Williamson deliberately got sent off in Saturday's 3-0 loss as his side slumped to an eighth straight defeat

Newcastle defender Mike Williamson has apologised for his red card at Leicester - but insists he did not get sent off deliberately.

Williamson was dismissed in the second-half of Saturday's 3-0 defeat at the King Power as the Magpies slumped to an eighth straight league defeat.

The 31-year-old clattered into Jamie Vardy, despite the ball being already out of play - sending the Leicester striker crashing into the sidelines.

After the game, boss John Carver accused him of getting sent off deliberately, suggesting it was an "easy way out" of the run-in for the defender.

But Williamson has hit back, denying he would act so unprofessionally at such a vital part of the season.

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"I would like to apologise to the Newcastle supporters and my fellow teammates for getting sent-off during yesterday’s game," he said.

"There was absolutely no intent to hurt Jamie Vardy or get sent-off. But I recognise that 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 to hurt the team.

"I will do whatever I can to help teammates prepare for the next two games and fight to get back into the team when I’m available.

"I’ve had the honour to play for Newcastle for five years now, and I can genuinely say that I feel privileged to play for this club.

"I would never do anything intentionally to hurt the team or its supporters.”

Newcastle are now just two points clear of the relegation places after their disastrous run of form, with a vital clash against West Brom coming up next.