Sunday 19 November 2017 22:13, UK
Crawley head coach Harry Kewell insists his encounter with club supporters following their 4-0 defeat to Wycombe Wanderers has been "exaggerated".
Kewell, who took charge of Crawley in May, was seen confronting fans of the West Sussex side after Saturday's away loss - a result which sees them sit 21st in the League Two table.
The former Liverpool and Leeds forward has confirmed his approach was to "hear the concerns" of supporters, while he apologised for any "misunderstanding".
"Let me start by saying, in my 20-plus year professional football career I have never lost control when it comes to fans," Kewell said in a statement on the club's official website.
"Whilst I did approach a disgruntled fan at full-time, it was merely to hear his concerns. At no time did anyone need to hold me back.
"In hindsight, I should have just gone straight to the changing rooms given that emotions were running high. I apologise for any misunderstanding.
"I believe that fans are the backbone of any club and I have always applauded their passion. I understand and share their frustration at this time.
"I have always been and remain intensely focussed on this team and changing the landscape of the last few years.
"I've really enjoyed the challenges of the past five months and look forward to a change in direction soon.
"As I said after the game, we are a team and teams must stick together, this includes the fans."
Crawley have won just four of their 18 League Two games this season, leaving them only three points above the relegation zone.
