NORWICH director and television chef Delia Smith today categorically denied having had "too much wine" before her half-time outburst in the Canaries' match against Manchester City at Carrow Road on Monday.

Smith watched Norwich throw away a 2-0 lead to go in level at 2-2 at the break.

With microphone in hand, and through the tannoy system, she shouted: "This is a message for possibly the best supporters in the world. We need a 12th man here. Where are you? Where are you? Let's be having you. Come on!"

This morning she told Sky Sports: "I always have a meal before a match and have some wine but I never drink during a match.

"At half-time I have a row of glasses of water ready for me because I am hoarse. I can tell you on this occasion it was not too much wine."

Support

She added: "I can't wear a director's skin. I am really a supporter. I can behave better as a supporter than a director.

"You forget you are on television. We had had a two-goal lead and lost it. I was desperate.

"I know what was in my heart. It was the heart of a football supporter and I am not in any way putting any blame on the fans. It was just a plea. If I was there amongst them I'd have said it and no-one would have batted an eyelid."

Smith's words on the night failed to have the galvanising effect intended as the Canaries had Mattias Jonsson sent off for a second bookable offence and then conceded a last-minute winner to Robbie Fowler to leave them one off the bottom of the Barclays Premiership.