Butt denies Toon snub

Birmingham midfielder Nicky Butt insists he did not snub Newcastle's fans.

Butt is currently on loan at St Andrews after a disappointing spell in the North East following his move from boyhood club Manchester United.

Whilst Butt's time at St James' Park proved unproductive for both parties, the England international has refuted suggestions that he snubbed the club's supporters last season following defeat in the FA Cup to United.

Butt was accused of laughing after the game with Sir Alex Ferguson, which failed to amuse Toon fans considering the scoreline - a 4-1 defeat.

''I started well. For the first six, seven, maybe eight games I did well,'' Butt told The Guardian.

''Then I started getting little niggles in my hamstrings. I'm not making excuses but I was playing not fully fit for about six weeks.

''Everyone could see that. I'd sum it up; one part played bad, one part played well, one part really bad.

''But I felt like I was the scapegoat for the fans that day. There were a lot of lies spoken, like how I snubbed the fans, which is a lie.

''I didn't; I just felt embarrassed about getting beat 4-1 off my old team and didn't feel like doing a lap of honour.

'Then some individuals said I was seen walking though the press room with Sir Alex Ferguson, his arms around me, laughing and joking.

''Which is a lie. I can assure there was no laughing. Then I heard I didn't travel home with the team. Which is a lie.

''In a way I can understand the Newcastle fans because, if they hear things like that, see me not playing well - and I hold my hand up to that - they put two and two together.

''I don't blame Newcastle fans for that.''