Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse has apologised to Newcastle fans for gesturing towards Newcastle fans after scoring his side’s third goal at the weekend.
The French striker claimed he had not meant to be “disrespectful”.
“I didn’t intend to be rude,” Cisse told the club’s website.
“I was just really happy to score a goal after such a long time because scoring goals is what I love doing. I want to make it clear I respect the Newcastle supporters and if they thought I was being disrespectful to them, then I obviously apologise for that.
“Like all the strikers at the club, I have been desperate to find the net again and when the penalty went in, I was absolutely delighted. But, if my celebrations appeared disrespectful, that certainly was not my intention.”
Cisse was booked for pulling his shirt over his head after converting the penalty, revealing a message to his wife and new son, but was then seen gesturing to Newcastle fans.
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez defended the player.
“I told him during the game to calm down, and at the end we also talked,” said Benitez. “The message on his shirt was for his young son and his family, and he has told me that he wishes to say sorry to the Newcastle fans.
“He hopes it is not a problem. I do not think there will be any further action. It was not a serious incident.”
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