Toto Nsiala: Ipswich Town defender apologises for altercation with supporters at Charlton

Toto Nsiala joined Ipswich from Shrewsbury Town in the summer of 2018

Ipswich Town defender Toto Nsiala has apologised for an altercation with some of their supporters following Tuesday's defeat at Charlton Athletic.

Social media videos showed the 29-year-old exchanging angry words with away fans at the end of the game.

He was then pulled away by goalkeeper Christian Walton.

"My intention was to acknowledge the supporters and tell them that we are doing all we can to put things right," he said in a statement.

"Unfortunately this did not come across how I intended.

"I apologise for the misunderstanding. I know the fans deserve more and I'll be giving everything to deliver the performances and results that we can all be proud of."

Caretaker boss John McGreal acknowledged that emotions were high after Sunday's sacking of manager Paul Cook following their goalless draw with Barrow in the FA Cup .

And videos from Tuesday's game at The Valley showed Walton being pushed by a supporter as he tried to move Nsiala away from the incident.

In his statement, Nsiala also said: "Following last night's game, I would like to applaud and thank the supporters for travelling in their thousands and paying their hard earned cash, especially at this time of year.

"All of the lads and I fully appreciate the time and effort of the fans who support us up and down the country."

Confidence 'a bit of an issue'

John McGreal left his former job as Swindon Town manager in June

McGreal says Ipswich are facing a test of character after the defeat at Charlton meant they stayed 11th in League One. They have only won one league game since the start of November.

"Confidence is a bit of an issue at the moment, but it's our job to pick it up," he told BBC Radio Suffolk.

"The warm-up was very good, they were saying the right things, the energy levels seemed to be there but the performance was nowhere near good enough to get something out of the game."

McGreal made more than 150 appearances for Ipswich during his playing career and only returned to the club on Friday to work with the under-23 and development squads.

But the former Colchester and Swindon manager found himself handed responsibility for the first team when the board decided to dispense with Cook after nine months in charge.

"I'm here for a couple of games, see where that goes and then see what the new manager is going to do. My remit is literally to come in, try and energise the lads, try and get a couple of good results," he said.

Kuqi keen on manager job

Shefki Kuqi scored 30 goals during his time as a player for Ipswich Town

Ipswich - who next face Wigan on Saturday - have finished 11th and ninth in the two seasons since being relegated from the Championship in 2019.

And chief executive Mark Ashton has promised to "spread the net far and wide" to find the right person to replace Cook.

Former Ipswich striker Shefki Kuqi, who has managed in Finland, has indicated an interest in the role.

"I always said I had the best time of my career at Ipswich Town and know the club inside out. I follow them very closely and I believe I know exactly what's going on there, where the problem is and that needs to get done," the 45-year-old told BBC Radio Suffolk.

Until an appointment is made, McGreal will be in charge and he added: "You've got to stand up tall, get your shoulders back, get your chest out and go again because the games are not going to wait for anyone, so you've got to take it on the chin and move on.

"If you go through the individuals in there, one of their main attributes is character. Now their character is getting tested, so let's see what they've got come Saturday."