Nigel Pearson draws line in sand, says sorry to journalist

Leicester manager apologises for bizarre rant after defeat by Chelsea

Nigel Pearson has apologised after widespread criticism over his bizarre rant against a journalist following Leicester City’s Premier League defeat to Chelsea.

After complaining about the negativity his players had faced this season, Pearson was asked to elaborate by the writer Ian Baker. Pearson then called Baker an “ostrich” because his head “must be in the sand” for not understanding the manager’s viewpoint in the post-match press conference following Leicester’s 3-1 loss.

Pearson started Thursday’s press conference, to preview Saturday’s game against Newcastle, by apologising to Baker. He said: “Ian, before we start, apologies for last night. I think it’s right to do it in front of the cameras rather than pulling you to one side, so I apologise for that and I hope it doesn’t ruin our relationship.

“I react, that’s it. I think it’s emotion as much as anything which again I am not afraid of. I’m not afraid of showing my emotions. I get labelled with certain titles, which is people’s prerogative to say what they want about me, and I’m happy to fight my own corner.

“But I will also accept when I have stepped out of line which is why Ian’s due an apology, it’s the right thing for me to do today. I wasn’t happy with losing the game, there we are. I don’t like losing. I felt for the players, they worked exceptionally hard again and tried to keep the run [of four straight wins] going.”


Guardian