Adam O’Brien’s post-match comments following his side’s comeback win over Manly have been defended by former NRL captains Paul Gallen and Cameron Smith.

After the Knights fell behind 16-0 to the Sea Eagles, fans booed them off the ground at half time before they mounted a comeback to steal the win.

In the post-match press conference, O’Brien said the booing was “disappointing” and those doing it “don’t know anything about rugby league”.

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A day later O’Brien apologised, saying he was alerted to the reaction of the fans at the press conference and went into protection mode.

“I apologise unreservedly to our members and fans that I offended and I can understand why they would be offended,” he said.

Speaking on Nine’s 100% Footy, Gallen said context is important when judging O’Brien’s reaction and players would not have a problem with the coach’s comments.

“I don’t see too much wrong with this to be honest with you. I understand the Newcastle fans would be filthy. I do understand that, and they’re entitled to boo,” he said.

“They pay their money to go there, they’re allowed to boo. But when Adam O’Brien didn’t know about the booing, he get told about it for the first time in a press conference after his team just came back, scored 20 odd points in the second half, and won the game for him.

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“I’d rather my coach stick up for me than say, no, you know they’re probably right, we were crap once again.

“I would rather my coach go into bat for me like he did for his team. I understand the Newcastle fans being frustrated and at the end of the day, they’ll forgive him if they keep winning games.

“But what he did that night, backing your players, sticking up for your players, I respect.”

Smith concurred.

“There’s unity within that that footy club and within the footy team when the coach comes out and backs his players,” the former Storm captain said.

“He said those fans that booed the team don’t know rugby league and the pressure that they’re under and the effort that they put in in the first half and he spoke about those things.

“I know Adam O’Brien quite well from his time as as a coach at the Melbourne Storm. He’s an emotional guy, he’s an emotional coach, he he loves his players and he cares for them.

“So he doesn’t like to see them treated that way. Whether they deserved it or not, that’s not what we’re talking about.”