Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson has apologised to the journalist that he subjected to his infamous post-match "ostrich" rant after last night's 3-1 home defeat by Chelsea.

Pearson slammed reporter Ian Baker for asking the Foxes boss to elaborate after referring to the "amount of criticism and negativity" levelled at his team this season.

With City one point and one place above the relegation zone, West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce said that the "outburst" may have been triggered by the pressure of his team's precarious position.

On his return to the press room, he told reporters: "First of all, let me apologise. I was not happy with losing the game, wheeling me out after the game. I don't like losing and I felt for the players, they worked hard.

"I am not afraid of showing my emotions. I get labelled with certain titles and that is their prerogative and I fight my corner. I always accept when I have stepped out of line, Ian was due an apology which is why I have apologised. It is right for me to portray what I want to portray. I am not here to win any popularity contests and don't think I will be in the running for that.

"I think there has been criticism, observations and opinions by people who have not necessarily seen a large enough portion of our season. They are generalisations which are poor. The most important thing is that we get back to winning ways. If we can get to the latter stages and still have it in our own hands then that is what we are looking for."

Watch the ugly verbal exchange here.