Cisse: I didn't mean to be rude

Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse has apologised for his controversial behaviour after scoring his side’s third goal from the spot at Newcastle, insisting he did not mean to be “disrespectful” to the home fans.

Reds boss Rafael Benitez took time off from preparing for the FA Cup quarter-final at Birmingham to defend his errant Frenchman, insisting his reaction to crowd abuse at St James’ Park was not a “serious” incident.