FABRICIO COLOCCINI has apologised to supporters and called for unity for Newcastle United’s final three matches of the season in an open letter he has written to fans.

Despite a degree of scepticism from supporters’ groups claiming the move was purely a PR stunt, club officials insist the Magpies skipper arrived at work with a two-page handwritten letter in Spanish he wanted translating.

Coloccini felt it was necessary after an alarming run of eight straight defeats which came to a head on Saturday when head coach John Carver accused Mike Williamson of getting himself deliberately sent off.

In an extensive letter, which can be read in full on The Northern Echo website, he has also called for forgiveness and is determined to ensure Newcastle fend off the threat of relegation starting with a much improved performance against West Brom this weekend.

Coloccini wrote: “Neither players nor staff would like to be in the position that we are in at the moment. This is something that has happened for many reasons and right now there is no time to look back and correct those mistakes.

“The time we have left to turn around this situation is short but after the end of the season we will try to learn from the mistakes we made so that we don't have to go through this again.

“This is as painful for us as it is for you, because when this team comes onto the pitch we do so with the intention of winning and to defend not just the colours of this club, not just our shirt, but also to represent thousands of fans, the whole city.”

He added: “Today we are in a delicate situation, one that we have been through before, and it is one of the most uncomfortable situations in the world of football.

“Uncomfortable because this club doesn't deserve to be in this position, a position that puts its status at risk. And this is what I want to highlight; this is the most important reason for my letter.

“Players and staff have come together in order to leave all past problems aside and to focus 100 per cent on the three 'cup finals' that we have left.

“I would like to make a call to all fans today to also leave aside all differences, all different opinions, anything that divides us as people who love this club.

“On Saturday, please come to St. James' Park, create a great atmosphere, support the team more than ever, because at the end of the day what matters the most here is Newcastle United Football Club.”

There has been plenty of speculation surrounding Coloccini’s own future in recent years and the majority of the squad have been accused of not caring because they can leave for pastures new if Newcastle did go down.

Coloccini continued: “Years will pass and so will players, directors, coaches and managers, but what is always going to be there is yourselves, your children, your grandchildren.

“I am also a fan and I understand how badly you are hurting, but I think that the best fans are those who are there for their club in the worst of situations.

“Today we need you more than ever. In these three games we need to be together, we need to be united, to be a family - a family that fights together against adversity, a family that strives to achieve the success that you and this club deserve."