Parker sorry for fan row

Scott Parker has apologised following his confrontation with Newcastle United fans.

Scott Parker has apologised following his confrontation with Newcastle United fans after last Saturday's 1-0 home defeat to Sheffield United.

The Magpies captain reacted frostily when he was jeered by supporters during the loss which sent the club into the Premiership relegation zone.

The midfielder sarcastically applauded the fans after he was criticised for pulling out of a tackle in the game.

He admits he was in the wrong and has offered an apology to the Newcastle faithful for his reaction to the taunts.

"I know I shouldn't have done what I did getting involved with supporters at St James' Park and I can only apologise to them," said Parker.

"But it was all heat-of-the-moment stuff."

Parker responded to the Blades setback by scoring deep into extra time during The Magpies' encounter with Watford on Tuesday.

The England international is now hoping the Carling Cup shoot-out success can act as a catalyst for the team's form in the league.

He added: "We have to find a way to push on from here now having come in for a lot of criticism after the Sheffield United game.

"There was maybe a bit too much criticism, but we've stuck together and got our reward here.

"We know we were nowhere near what we should have been on Saturday and we didn't apply ourselves.

"But after this result we know have to take things on."