Obafemi Martins has issued an apology to Newcastle United Football Club.

The Nigerian threw a strop when he was substituted during the goalless draw against Middlesbrough at the weekend, and he has now apologised for the way he reacted.

"I was absolutely gutted at being hauled off, and it was all down to sheer disappointment," Martins told the Evening Chronicle. "Like any other player, I am always most disappointed when I am substituted.

"But I am sorry if what I did was a problem and, in hindsight, perhaps it was wrong for me to go into the dressing room and not go on the bench.

"I was feeling good and felt as though I could score and I still do not know or understand why I was called off. I don't suppose it was a surprise that Mark Viduka was brought on, as there were no goals.

"But I was hoping I would get the chance to play alongside him and Michael Owen. When the three of us were used together as a three-pronged attack last season we had a fair amount of success."