Williamson insists red was no easy way out

MIKE WILLIAMSON has hit back at John Carver’s accusation t hat t he Newcastle United defender deliberately got himself sent off in their 3-0 defeat to Leicester City.

Carver made the remarkable claim Williamson had f ouled Jamie Vardy on purpose to earn a second booking and two-game suspension in an ‘easy way out’ of his team’s relegation battle.

But Williamson, angered at the public suggestion, defended his reputation and apologised to Newcastle supporters.

‘There was absolutely no intent to hurt Jamie Vardy or get myself sent off, but I should have been more composed and measured in my determination to win the ball,’ he said in a statement.

‘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.’

That incredible frisson between player and head coach is evidence of how Newcastle are descending into deeper turmoil while falling down the table.

The club is in a desperate state and Carver’s position will come under scrutiny after an eighth defeat i n succession and his criticism of his own players .

Carver questioned the desire, commitment and quality of his team and made the astonishing admission his players may not be listening to his instructions.

Captain Fabricio Coloccini argued it was not true to suggest the side had given up, adding: ‘We are trying everything to win.’

Newcastle is a club torn apart, with supporters often singing venomous chants against owner Mike Ashley, along with verbally attacking players as they boarded the team bus following the loss on Saturday. ‘Spineless cowards,’ a group of fans shouted.

Newcastle have not picked up a single point since February 28 and are in genuine danger of slipping into the Championship. They sit just two points above 18th -placed Sunderland — having played a game more.

Carver conceded: ‘If I’m honest, there’s a chance the players are just not listening to me. That might be one factor of many. You have to consider it.

‘But it might be a lot of other things, too. We might not be good enough, we might not have enough desire to want to defend in our own box or score at the other end.

‘But I’m not going anywhere until someone comes to me and tells me otherwise. I’m not a shirker, and I’m certainly not going to hide from anyone.’