A NEWCASTLE fan has apologised for sparking a row with Kieran Trippier – just as the England star’s wife shared a reassuring private exchange.
Thomas Willoughby confessed to being the “stupid” travelling supporter targeted by Tripper at full-time after Saturday’s 2-0 loss at Bournemouth.
The Toon had nine players out injured and two suspended but are still seventh in the Premier League.
Willoughby slated Newcastle from the stands – leading to defender Trippier striding over to confront him.
But the fan now regrets his “stupid” actions done “in the heat of the moment”.
And Trippier’s wife Charlotte further cooled the situation by sharing a private message on Instagram.
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Alongside the words of a supportive Toon follower, she added: “You fans are amazing! Don’t worry, KT is not panicking about that 1 fan last night.”
Meanwhile, Willoughby has come clean by responding to a post on Facebook from the Newcastle United Supporters’ Club.
Trippier could be heard yelling at him following the Toon’s second successive 2-0 defeat: “So the lads are not giving everything? How many injuries have we got, how many injuries have we got? Hey?”
Rueful Willoughby wrote: “It was me, I travelled all day and was very frustrated with the performance.
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“I regret having a go at them because I know what all these players have done for this club.
“Everyone’s done stupid things. I hold my hands up and admit I shouldn’t have had a go at them that much but was just heat of the moment.”
Trippier had already downplayed his after-match exchange.
He told Sky Sports: “The fans are emotional, of course they are.
“‘They have travelled a long way, they spend a lot of money to come and watch us. I was just having a chat with one of them, I said we are giving everything.
‘There is no need to panic, we are still in a good position in the league, we are still in the Champions League, Carabao Cup quarter-finals, there is no need to panic.
“We got beat, we do apologise for that result, but the most important thing is that the lads are giving everything. We are giving more under the circumstances.”
Magpies boss Eddie Howe also stressed there were no problems on a “tough” and “emotional day” – adding that “Kieran is fine”.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
