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. 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. 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. Flashpoint: Newcastle goalkeeper Steve Harper appeared to be knocked over by a Sunderland fan during the Tyne-Wear derby on Sunday'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.' 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. 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. Nasty: Fans squared up in the stands at the Stadium of Light after the matchThe 35-year-old was allegedly pushed to the ground in the aftermath of Asamoah Gyan's late equaliser for the Black Cats. Harper told the Evening Chronicle: 'I didn't see him until he was right on me. 'The supporter was detained by Sunderland fans after the incident, which was nice, and I heard he had been arrested. '[Sunderland chairman] Niall Quinn apologised to me after the game. I would like to thank the supporters of both teams for their concerns afterwards.' 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 Explore more:People: Niall Quinn Places: Newcastle