MIKE WILLIAMSON has denied John Carver's accusation that deliberately got himself sent off in Newcastle United's 3-0 defeat at Leicester City.

Williamson has apologised for the second-half challenge on Jamie Vardy that resulted in his dismissal at the King Power Stadium and admitted he should have displayed much more composure given that he had already received a booking.

However, he has insisted he did not make a conscious attempt to receive a red card, an accusation that was levelled at him by head coach Carver in the wake of the game.

Williamson said: "I would like to take this opportunity to apologise to the Newcastle United supporters and my fellow team-mates for getting sent-off during yesterday’s game.

"There was absolutely no intent to hurt Jamie or get sent-off, but I recognise that I should have been more composed and measured in my determination to win the ball.

"Unfortunately, it did the one thing that I never wanted to do, and that was to hurt the team.

"Moving forward, I will do whatever I can to help my team-mates prepare for the next two games and fight to get back into the team when I’m next available.

"I’ve had the honour to play for Newcastle United for five years now, and I can genuinely say that I feel privileged to play for this football club.  I would never do anything intentionally to hurt the team or its supporters.”