Butt joined Newcastle for �2.5m from Man Utd last summer

The 30-year-old England international has stressed that his actions stemmed from disappointment at his club's second cup exit inside three days.

"There has been a suggestion that I deliberately snubbed the fans after the semi-final on Sunday," he said.

"That was not my intention. If anyone has that impression, I apologise."

Butt joined Newcastle in a �2.5m move from Old Trafford last summer.

But he has struggled to reproduce the form that made him one of the stars of England's campaign at the 2002 World Cup finals.

Can he really expect any sympathy - not just for Sunday - because his performances this season have been way below par From S Have your say on 606

He added: "Immediately after the game, I was distraught about the result and our performance.

"I was also deep in thought about my own game as I desperately wanted to make a big impression, especially against Manchester United.

"We have a number of big games left and as a group of players we will be giving 100% to try to improve our current league position because that's what the fans deserve."