Football: Ferguson backtracks over Newcastle 'wee club' jibe

LONDON (AFP) - Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has attempted to clear the air with supporters of Newcastle United after describing their side as "a wee (small) club in the north-east".

Ferguson made the remark during a spat with Newcastle coach Alan Pardew, who had suggested the United manager was fortunate to avoid punishment for arguing with match officials during a match between the teams at Old Trafford.

However, Ferguson has now attempted to clarify his comments, saying that Newcastle's fans are "up there with the best supporters in the game".

"It was never my intention to belittle Newcastle fans," he told British weekly newspaper the Mail on Sunday.