Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton has admitted that last night's 23-10 defeat to the San Francisco 49ers was a disappointing end to his side's campaign.
The Panthers won 11 of their last 12 regular season matches to reach the divisional playoff game, but they were unable to replicate their 10-9 victory over the 49ers earlier this season as San Francisco advanced to the NFC championship game for the third consecutive year.
"Terrible ending to a great season," Newton told The AP.
During the match, 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick mocked Newton's signature celebration after scoring a touchdown having been selected 35 places behind him in the 2011 Draft, but Newton played down the incident.
"That's not the first, nor will it be the last time somebody does that," he added.
The 49ers will now face the Seattle Seahawks on January 19 in the final match before the Super Bowl.
