Newcastle United striker Papiss Cisse has apologised for the spitting incident that occurred during his side's match with Manchester United on Wednesday night.

During an altercation with Jonny Evans, Cisse spat at the United defender, seemingly in retaliation to a similar action from the Northern Irishman, and the Senegalese forward has taken steps to say sorry for his part in the incident at St James' Park.

In a statement published on the club's official website, the 29-year-old 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.

"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."

Evans has insisted that he was "shocked" to be accused of spitting at the Magpies player.