UPDATED 17.40

LEICESTER MANAGER NIGEL Pearson apologised to the journalist he labelled “an ostrich” last night, but was soon embroiled in another tense stand-off.

Pearson launched into an extraordinary rant after Wednesday’s 3-1 Premier League loss to Chelsea, comparing reporter Ian Baker to the bird that is widely – and incorrectly – thought to bury its head in the sand.

The City boss — who also labelled Baker “stupid” and “daft” after taking exception to one of his questions — was in front of the media again on Thursday ahead of the match against Newcastle this weekend and said sorry for his outburst.

He said: “Apologies for last night. I think it is right to do it in front of the cameras and hope it does not ruin our relationship.”

One bridge built, another set ablaze. BBC 5 live’s Pat Murphy took over questioning of Pearson with some deliberately provactive questions once Pearson had again evaded queries about who exactly had subjected the Foxes to ‘unfair criticism’.

Grab some popcorn and sit a safe distance away, because this is excruciating.

In particular, watch out for the lines:

• “So you’re suggesting I made a fool of myself?”
• “Has no one ever taken you to one side and said ‘Nigel, I think you’re out of order’?”
• “Is that the lecture over?”
• “Have you thought of taking anger management courses?”

Originally published 16.00

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