Newcastle United FC

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Martins sorry over sub sulk

01 Dec 2008 - 14:04:37

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Newcastle United striker Obafemi Martins has apologised for his angry reaction to being substituted during the goalless derby draw at Middlesbrough on Saturday.

The 24-year-old Nigeria international stormed off down the tunnel at the Riverside Stadium after being replaced with 25 minutes left to play, but now accepts that he should have stayed to watch the remainder of the game from the bench.

He told The Chronicle: "Like any other player, I am always most disappointed when I am substituted.

"But I am sorry if what I did was a problem and, in hindsight, perhaps it was wrong for me to go into the dressing room and not go on the bench.

"I was feeling good and felt as though I could score and I still do not know or understand why I was called off.

"I don't suppose it was a surprise that Mark Viduka was brought on, especially as there were no goals.

"But I was hoping I would get the chance to play alongside him and Michael Owen and not be the one to make way for him.

"When the three of us were used together as a three-pronged attack last season we had a fair amount of success."