West Ham boss David Moyes has called on fans to support Kalvin Phillips after the England star's middle finger gesture at the weekend.
Phillips reacted angrily to criticism from supporters after his team threw away a 3-1 lead to lose 4-3 at Newcastle on Saturday.
The midfielder has had a miserable spell at West Ham so far since joining on loan from Manchester City in the January transfer window.
He has been guilty of making big errors leading to goals and gave away a penalty in the weekend's dramatic game at St James' Park.
Kalvin Phillips has been defended by David Moyes after the West Ham star's middle finger gesture
Getty
The Hammers were two goals in front when Phillips came on to replace Michail Antonio but he conceded a spot-kick for a foul on Anthony Gordon just eight minutes later.
Harvey Barnes scored a late brace to win the game for the hosts and send the visitors home unhappy.
A video circulated on social media after the match of the West Ham players boarding the team bus.
Phillips was called 'useless' by one supporter and the 28-year-old responded by sticking up his middle finger through the bus windscreen.
Moyes was asked about the incident for the first time on Monday ahead of his team's clash against London rivals Tottenham.
He chose not to criticise Phillips' action and instead made it clear that the former Leeds star needs fans on his side.
Moyes said: "Kalvin's a human being and can do things which we all do at different times.
"What he needs is support behind him, people to help him, and we're going to stand with him help him as much as we possibly can.
"Obviously, we need all our supporters to give all our players, whoever it is, their support.
"He's fine, he's back training and we've all moved on from the weekend. We've got a big game coming up and we're getting ready for that now."
Phillips' loan deal at West Ham expires at the end of the season before he returns to City.
Moyes still believes he can play a big part between now and the end of the campaign as his team fights for Europa League success.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Kalvin Phillips gave away a penalty when he came on against Newcastle at the weekend
Getty
He added: "Kalvin Phillips is a really good player, an international player, and I do believe he is an excellent footballer.
"And I do believe we can still make something out of the time we've got left with him here."
Moyes has got to pick his team up for the visit of Spurs on Tuesday but admits Saturday's result was tough on his players.
He said: "The result was very hard to take, and I still don't think their second penalty should have been given.
"In my opinion, Anthony Gordon places his foot and prevents Kalvin Phillips from kicking the ball forward.
Kalvin Phillips has had a miserable spell at West Ham so far
Getty
"Overall, I thought we should have been much more physical and harder to play against in the closing stages of the game, and I think the players would agree with that. I have to give Newcastle some credit as well, and it is what it is.
"It's a quick turnaround and we've got another game now, and we'll get ourselves ready to go again.
"It's a London derby, so hopefully the crowd will be right behind us and we can get out on the front foot."