Newcastle owner apologises to fans

LONDON - Newcastle owner Mike Ashley apologised to the club’s fans after the team’s relegation from the English Premier League.

“Seeing Newcastle United relegated from the Premier League has been a catastrophe for us all,” Ashley said in a statement on the club’s website Tuesday.

Newcastle, under the guidance of former England striker Shearer, their fourth manager of the season, lost 1-0 at Aston Villa Sunday to end their 16-year stay in the top flight.

“I fully accept that mistakes were made during this and previous seasons, and I am very sorry for that,” Ashley said.

“I would like to say sorry to our magnificent supporters who have turned up in their thousands, home and away, up and down the country and who have given the team amazing backing throughout.”