Cisse scored a penalty at Newcastle

Cisse pulled his shirt over his head, revealing a message to his family, and appeared to gesture to Newcastle fans who had been taunting him.

"I didn't intend to be rude," Cisse told Liverpool's website. "I was just really happy to score a goal.

"I respect the Newcastle supporters. If they thought I was being disrespectful to them, then I apologise for that."

Cisse scored from the penalty spot after Jean-Alain Boumsong was dismissed for a foul on Peter Crouch.

Report: Newcastle 1-3 Liverpool

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has already stated that he did not view Cisse's celebrations as a "serious" incident.

"I told him during the game to calm down and at the end we also talked," said Benitez.

"The message on his shirt was for his young son and his family. He hopes it is not a problem. I do not think there will be any further action."

Cisse had not scored for 15 games since netting in the 3-1 win at Everton on 28 December.

"Like all the strikers at the club, I have been desperate to find the net again and when the penalty went in, I was absolutely delighted," added Cisse.

"But, if my celebrations appeared disrespectful, that certainly was not my intention."