Source: Daily_Mail
Sunderland fan alleged to have shoved Steve Harper 'apologises' at Newcastle training ground
A teenager alleged to have shoved Newcastle goalkeeper Steve Harper during the Wear-Tyne derby has reportedly tried to apologise to the player face to face. [LNB]The 17-year-old Sunderland fan, who was held by Northumbria Police following the sell-out 1-1 draw between the Barclays Premier League rivals, was said to have turned up at Newcastle's training ground on Monday morning. [LNB]Harper was not at training, but a club official was there to hear the teenager, accompanied by his father, make a heart-felt apology. His father was said not to have slept a wink and was 'mortified', a source said. [LNB] Flashpoint: Newcastle goalkeeper Steve Harper appeared to be knocked over by a Sunderland fan during the Tyne-Wear derby on Sunday[LNB]'His intention was to apologise to the manager, the club and to Harper,' the insider said. 'He sat down with a club official and he could not have been more humble and full of remorse.'[LNB] The teenager was arrested after he ran on the pitch and was later released on police bail until March. Northumbria Police said inquiries were ongoing. [LNB]Newcastle declined to comment on the apology, as the club tried to draw a line under the events at the Stadium of Light, although Harper has spoken of his shock at being confronted on the pitch. [LNB] Nasty: Fans squared up in the stands at the Stadium of Light after the match[LNB]The 35-year-old was allegedly pushed to the ground in the aftermath of Asamoah Gyan's late equaliser for the Black Cats.[LNB] Harper told the Evening Chronicle: 'I didn't see him until he was right on me. [LNB]'The supporter was detained by Sunderland fans after the incident, which was nice, and I heard he had been arrested. [LNB]'[Sunderland chairman] Niall Quinn apologised to me after the game. I would like to thank the supporters of both teams for their concerns afterwards.'[LNB] Sunderland star Darren Bent on verge of shock £24m switch to Aston VillaSunderland vow to boot out thugs after crowd violence erupts in derby showdown with NewcastleDerby day shame! Violence erupts during matches between Sunderland and BirminghamSunderland 1 Newcastle 1: Gyan leaves it late to deny Magpies derby doubleWatch all the Premier League goals every week on our brilliant video player[LNB] Explore more:People: Niall Quinn Places: Newcastle
