Only goal difference currently keeps the A-League champions from occupying bottom spot with just two wins from their opening 12 rounds.

Sunday's 2-0 defeat at Wellington Phoenix saw Griffiths red-carded for kicking out at Karl Dodd with less than half an hour on the clock.

The nine men (Mark Milligan seeing red early in the second half) battled hard but eventually slumped to defeat at Westpac Stadium, their defence breached twice in the last 10 minutes.

Griffiths admits the 'chips are down' as he faces up to two weeks on the sidelines.

He told au.fourfourtwo.com today: "It was a case of slipping back to my old ways and I'm obviously pretty gutted.

"I just lost it there for a second and I'm out of it. I have apologised to the boys and I know I let them down. I'm just hoping now they can go out there this weekend and pick up the three points without me.

"It's a testing time. We've a massive game (against Adelaide United) on Sunday and we have to start putting some wins together."

Many have already written off Newcastle's campaign but Griffiths is not ready to throw in the towel.

He said: "There's still a lot of football to be played. All I know is that when I'm back I'll be doing whatever I can to make up for my indescretions and help the team."

As well as looking to make amends with his teammates Griffiths also knows life is tough for the Newcastle fans.

He accepts they were less than impressed with his dismissal but says the club needs the fans to stick with the players now more than ever.

The Johnny Warren Medal-winner said: "It's hard to look them in the face but I've pretty much told them I'm sorry.

"Hopefully we can turn things around though and this (the tough times)m is where we need the supporters the most."

For now, Griffiths admits he will take some chill out time and lay low during his suspension before returning for Newcastle's round 15 game against Queensland Roar at Suncorp Stadium.

Coach Gary van Egmond, himself serving a touchline ban, has said that he simply wants Griffiths to channel his passion into the right areas.