Danny Simpson reacts to boos from Newcastle fans

The Leicester City defender – who left St James’s Park in 2013 – was booed by travelling fans at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.

Rafa Benitez’s side won 2-1 thanks to goals from Jonjo Shelvey and Ayoze Perez.

Simpson – who joined Newcastle, initially on loan, in 2009 – says he “understood” the reaction of United fans when he was taken off.

“I left the club and went and won the league (with Leicester), so I understand,” said the 31-year-old.

“I left that club when I turned down a contract and left on a free. It turned out OK for me, but I understand it from their point of view.

“At the same time, I played nearly 140 games for them and give it my best.

“I don’t know how many years I was part of a team that was successful for them. We finished fifth and reached the quarter-finals of the Europa League.

“It didn’t go too bad. I left and made the decision, and it was the right one.”

On the game, Simpson said: “I think we knew what kind of team we were up against.

“It was pretty much 11 defenders, and they pretty much win the ball back, hit the long ball and that was the first goal.

“We didn’t start the greatest. The lads kept going, but I think when they have 11 behind the ball, and you’re 1-0 down against a team like that, it’s difficult to get chances and break them down.”