10 Mar 2008Southgate sympathises with fans

Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate has apologised to fans of the club after his team crashed out of the FA Cup to Cardiff City.

The 2-0 home defeat was hard to take for Middlesbrough's fans, who had crammed into the Riverside Stadium expecting to see their side progress to the semi final of the cup.

However, a poor performance from the home side led to the Championship side going through and many Boro fans leaving the ground early.

Southgate has defended those supporters who decided to head for the exits before full time.

"It hurts because we've let down the fans. We've been begging for a full house for months and we haven't rewarded the fans with a performance," he told BBC Tees after the match.

"It hurts a lot at the moment, and we all know we won't get a better opportunity to win the cup.

"I know what a positive influence the crowd can have and we haven't dealt with it today," added Southgate.

Boro currently sit 12th in the Premier League, just four points off the relegation zone.

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