Manly coach Geoff Toovey has apologised for an incident involving a Canterbury supporter at halftime in the Bulldogs’ 23-16 win over the Sea Eagles on Friday night.

Toovey was involved in the altercation with the fan at ANZ Stadium as he made his way through the crowd on the way to the dressing rooms.

“I reacted to some lunatic. I shouldn’t have. A few words were exchanged,” Toovey said.

“I don’t mind mingling with the fans … he just got under my skin. It was very silly of me and I apologise for reacting the way I did.”

Asked what the fan said to him Toovey replied: “I can’t remember.”

Asked what he said to the fan Toovey replied: “I am not”.

The altercation only compounded the Manly mentor’s frustration as he watched his top-of-the-table side put in a below-par effort against an under-strength Bulldogs outfit most noticeably minus their NSW State of Origin halves.

Although, Manly were without their Queensland playmaker Daly Cherry-Evans.

Canterbury’s win moves them up alongside Manly at the top of the NRL ladder.

Season surprise packets Penrith can join them if they can account for Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday.