Newcastle's Matt Ritchie apologises to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang over viral video

Matt Ritchie has explained why he snubbed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's offer of a handshake.
Matt Ritchie (Pic: Stephen Dobson)Matt Ritchie (Pic: Stephen Dobson)
Matt Ritchie (Pic: Stephen Dobson)

Ritchie scored Newcastle United's winner against Arsenal at St James's Park on Sunday.

Aubameyang went to shake Ritchie's hand after his team's 2-1 defeat, but Ritchie instead turned and high-fived team-mate Ayoze Perez, who had also netted in the Premier League game.

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The incident went viral on social media. However, winger Ritchie said: "It wasn't intentional. I was waiting for Ayo to congratulate him.

"I didn't see him (Aubameyang) waiting for a high five, so I can only apologise. I didn't realise until after the game when I saw the video. Social media takes things to a new level."

The defeat heaped more pressure on long-serving Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

United manager Rafa Benitez has been linked with the club, and Ritchie says it's imperative that he stays at St James's Park.

"It's massive that the club keep hold of him if we do want to kick on to the next level," said Ritchie. "You've seen the signings he's made."