Yohan Cabaye defended Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew after he was booed for substituting the Frenchman in defeat to Reading.

Cabaye confirmed he was injured and unable to continue.

The France midfielder, who opened the scoring with a sublime free-kick, said: "The fans were very angry but they did not realise I needed to come off.

"It is unfair and they should not blame the manager, it was my decision. I was not fit enough to finish the game.

"I was afraid about my groin. I have come back from surgery and did not want to get pain again."