Nelson Jardim has apologised to Newport County fans for not acknowledging their support after Saturday's Carlisle capitulation, claiming he was caught up in a "heated moment" in the tunnel.
Jardim said it was the most frustrated he has felt all season on the road after the Exiles threw away a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 to League Two's bottom side.
Newport were 2-0 up inside 28 minutes through Kieron Evans and Bobby Kamwa, but United turned the game on its head with three second-half goals.
"First of all, I would like to apologise to our fans," said Jardim. "They travelled in their numbers...
"As they will understand, being 2-0 up and then losing it in that way, in the way the goals happened, I had to ask a couple of questions and I was caught up in the tunnel."
The Portuguese coach said his "heated moment" kept him in the tunnel "for a long period", which led to him not going to acknowledge the supporters who had made the 560-mile round trip.
"It's not normal for me. I've been going every game, home and away, and thanking the fans because they've been great to us.
"But I think they will understand I wanted some answers.
"I was caught up in a heated moment which I'm not proud of, but sometimes the emotions just go through you and I have to fight for my club."
County's second-half collapse at Brunton Park led to their fifth successive away defeat as Mark Hughes' side gave themselves a lifeline in the battle to beat the drop.
Asked whether Saturday was the most frustrating away performance of the season, Jardim said, "Definitely, yes.
"Every game is tough. Especially when you are 2-0 up away, you can never lose the game. It's not good enough.
"We started very well. It's just a pity because we again fell short when it came to defending duels, aerial balls...when it's a battle we always struggle."
County, 17th in the table, now have three home games and two away matches left of a largely disappointing campaign.
They will be hoping for a first win in five matches when Colchester visit Rodney Parade on 12 April.
