Cleveland Browns' Johnny Manziel (2) looks to pass against the Carolina Panthers in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Quarterback Cam Newton said the Panthers fans who cheered when Johnny Manziel injured his hamstring in the second quarter are ''classless.''

Manziel did not return to the game after the injury.

''I was saddened to see the crowd's response to when he got hurt,'' Newton said. ''It was classless. Anytime when a person gets hurt you don't celebrate. I have had that done in my career and it just takes the integrity out of the game.''

Newton has been friends with Manziel for a couple of years. Earlier this week on a conference call with Panthers beat reporters, Manziel said he looks up to Newton and thanked him for his support while he battled through off-the-field issues at Texas A&M.

''For the crowd to respond in that sort of way - we're better than that,'' Newton said.

Brian Hoyer took over at quarterback for the Cleveland Browns and had one touchdown pass and one interception in the loss.

Manziel was injured with 1:49 left in the first half when he rolled out to his left side, and linebacker Luke Kuechly and safety Colin Jones converged on the rookie and took him to the ground. He attempted to get up and then fell back down.

Manziel emerged from the locker room after halftime still in uniform but remained on the bench.

The Browns were losing 10-3 at the time of the injury.

Manziel, who struggled in his first start last week against Cincinnati, didn't having much success against Carolina either.

He 3 of 8 for 32 yards and ran twice for 3 yards before the injury. The Browns were outgained 206-68 in the first half and Carolina had 15 first downs to Cleveland's two.

The Browns (7-7) were eliminated from playoff contention Saturday when San Diego defeated San Francisco.

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