Newcastle United duo Stephen Ireland and Leon Best have apologised for attending a nightclub the night before Saturday’s defeat at Stoke City.
Ireland and Best, who were both ruled out of the match with injury, were photographed at the Tup Tup Palace nightclub last Friday night.
And a statement released on the Magpies’ official website read: “Although we had both been ruled out of the game at Stoke, and didn't travel with the team, we realise that going out to a bar was inappropriate ahead of Saturday's game and we fully regret doing so.
“We were asked to have our photograph taken and we removed our shirts as a tongue-in-cheek joke between friends, but of course the resulting coverage in the press suggests a far different night out.
“Whilst our actions were wrong, neither of us had consumed alcohol and we were out for only a very short period of time.
“However, with the team having an important game at Stoke the following day, we should never have put ourselves or the club in that position.”