Newcastle United is in a complete tailspin. The club has lost an unthinkable eight matches in a row, looked shocking bad in the process, and suddenly thoughts of an unimaginable divebomb towards relegation is in the thoughts of every supporter.
The skid has sent interim manager John Carver into a frenzy, and after the clubโs latest embarrassing 3-0 defeat Saturday to Leicester City, Carver boiled over, accusing players of not trying and, most notably, said midfielder Mike Williamson earned his 62nd minute sending off intentionally so he wouldnโt have to endure the remainder of the season.
Williamson, now automatically suspended for two matches for his second yellow earned on a tackle of Leicesterโs Jamie Vardy, responded accordingly with a personal statement, denying the accusations by Carver and apologizing to supporters for his actions.
โI would like to apologize to the Newcastle supporters and my fellow teammates for getting sent-off during yesterdayโs game. There was absolutely no intent to hurt Jamie Vardy or get sent-off, but I recognize that I should have been more composed in my determination to win the ball. Unfortunately, it did the one thing I never wanted to do, and that was hurt the team. I will do whatever I can to help my teammates prepare for the next two games and fight to get back into the team when I am available. Iโve had the honor to play for Newcastle for five years now, and I can genuinely say I feel privileged to play for this club. I would never do anything to intentionally hurt the team or its supporters.โ
Itโs no surprise that Williamson hit back at the accusations, but it is surprising there is no mention of John Carver or his comments, simply inferring Williamsonโs response to the comments made by his manager.
[ VIDEO: The 2 Robbies discuss John Carverโs verbal assault of his players ]
Newcastle, with its eight straight losses, sits in 15th position, just two points above the relegation zone. They have chewed up nearly all of their 10-point cushion that existed following a 1-0 win over Aston Villa on the final day of February. Since then, the Magpies havenโt earned a single point and have been outscored 18-4 over that span, being held scoreless five times. They still have three more chances to right the ship against West Brom, QPR, and West Ham left to finish the season, with likely just one win required to ensure Premier League safety.
