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Newcastle striker Papiss Cisse has apologised after appearing to spit at Manchester United's Jonny Evans during Wednesday's Premier League match at St. James' Park.
The Senegal international's apology comes less than an hour after United's Evans said he was "shocked" to read reports of the incident and insisted it was not in his character to spit.
Cisse said he was reacting to 'something he found very unpleasant' but admitted he has let down every football fan who saw the incident, which was caught by Sky Sports' TV cameras.
In a statement on Newcastle's official website, the Toon striker said: "I have apologies to make to a lot of people today. Firstly to my teammates and to our supporters, secondly to Jonny Evans, and thirdly to every football fan who saw the incident between myself and Jonny.
Newcastle v Manchester United - player ratings
"I reacted to something I found very unpleasant. Sometimes it is hard not to react, particularly in the heat of the moment. I have always tried hard to be positive a role model, especially for our young fans, and yesterday I let you down.
"I hope children out there playing football for their clubs and schools this weekend will know better than to retaliate when they are angry. Perhaps when they see the problem it now causes me and my team they will be able to learn from my mistake, not copy it."
