John Carver: 'Fan protests affected us'

Newcastle United head coach John Carver has said that the fans' protest that took place last weekend affected the players and staff during their 3-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

Newcastle supporters held the protest against the running of the club outside St James' Park prior to their side's meeting with Spurs on Sunday.

Thousands of supporters refused to enter the stadium for the match as they made their feelings known over Mike Ashley's chairmanship.

"I didn't want to use it as an excuse for players but I think it did affect people," Carver told Sky Sports News. "It does affect you, it affected me slightly and it certainly affected some of the players.

"I know that there's another one coming this week but at least people are coming in the stadium, and if it's a protest for one minute, and it only lasts one minute then we've got 89 minutes to get on with the game.

"I don't have a problem with protests - people are entitled to do it - but at least people are coming into the stadium this time."

A section of Newcastle supporters have urged others to stage a standing protest in the 34th minute during this Saturday's home match against Swansea City, representing the club's £34m bank balance that they believe should be spent on improving the team.