When Aleksandar Mitrovic was sent off after only 16 minutes in our last game at home to Arsenal, it came as a complete shock as referee Andre Marriner raised that red flag,
Then when we saw the TV replays, Aleksandar had gone in with his boot over the top – onto the shin of Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin – and it looked dangerous.
Red card for Aleksandar Mitrovic against Arsenal
And it was because he went over the top that we thought it would be pointless for Newcastle to appeal the red card, and if the appeal was thought to be frivolous by the FA, then they could have made the ban on young Mitrovic four games rather than the usual three games.
In his press conference today, head coach Steve McClaren has explained to the reporters present, why Newcastle decided not to appeal that red card:
“We inquired a lot and we looked at the game and we talked to a lot of people, and found out we would be wasting our time, and in hindsight looking at it, yeah – we didn’t do that.”
“And it is a lesson for him. Did he have to go through it – I don’t know – I don’t think so.”
“I think he’s frustrated and desperately wants to do well, so desperately wants to score, so desperately wants to show the fans what he’s about, he shows his enthusiasm, but it was a clumsy challenge.”
“So that over-enthusiasm has cost him dearly”
We were still incensed that Newcastle had been reduced to 10 men with 74 minutes still to play – and the game as a contest was basically over – but you could see the reason, although it looked accidental.
It is a lesson for Mitrovic, but he has to learn quickly and we cannot have him sent off too many times this season, and these three games will give a chance to players like Papiss Cisse, Ayoze Perez, and perhaps even Siem de Jong to shine up front.
We do have some fire-power available at Newcastle this season, and hopefully we can start scoring some goals soon.
The game at West Ham would be a good time to score, since we’ve been shut-out in our last three league games.
What do you think?
Comments welcome.
20 comments so far
Belfast
Sep 11, 2015 at 4:37 PM
Comment #1Could have told you that at the time Stevie !
Tsunki
Sep 11, 2015 at 5:03 PM
Comment #2Dammit Belfast you could have given me me heads up about the Charlie Austin article. Really gutted I missed it.
lesh
Sep 11, 2015 at 5:09 PM
Comment #3But as there was no injury resulting from Mitro’s OTT challenge, a yellow and a strong warning would have been more appropriate than the straight red. Strong words from McClaren could have reinforced the ‘don’t be reckless’ message.
However, had his tackle resulted in injury, then a red it would have to have been.
That ref’s out of his depth!
barkel
Sep 11, 2015 at 5:09 PM
Comment #4who’s this Charlie Austin fella, haven’t seen us linked to him before …
lesh
Sep 11, 2015 at 5:10 PM
Comment #5Tsunki, why not take a tranquiliser and lie down
Bobbybee
Sep 11, 2015 at 5:16 PM
Comment #6Morgan on fire again for England I see. What a batsman. Unfortunately I’ll miss the end because of our U21 match, but at least I can set off safely knowing the series goes onto OT 😉 Good game v Arsenal tonight i reckon. Howay the lads!
bills-son
Sep 11, 2015 at 5:22 PM
Comment #7It was a definite red card.
If that foul had been committed on one of our players by an Arsenal player none of our supporters would be saying it was only a yellow.
Plus, Mitro has two previous daft tackles for us this season already – and his one against Southampton was the worst of the three, a potential leg breaker and he should have been red carded for that even if was just 16 seconds after coming on.
Bobbybee
Sep 11, 2015 at 5:22 PM
Comment #8I’ve cursed him! He’s out for 92. Bugger. Still, hopefully damage done. Great innings though.
swemag
Sep 11, 2015 at 5:25 PM
Comment #9Charlie Austin
Tsunki
Sep 11, 2015 at 5:29 PM
Comment #10Lesh that’s probably how I missed it in the first place.
Bobbybee
Sep 11, 2015 at 5:30 PM
Comment #11I’ve seen worse on our players that hasn’t resulted in a red, but it was simply a judgement call and could’ve gone either way depending on the ref. It’s done now and all he can do is learn from it. If it results in him calming down and channelling his aggression better then it will have served a purpose.
Mister Tuff
Sep 11, 2015 at 5:36 PM
Comment #12I think Mitrovic will learn his lesson and channel that agression more purposefully. He is definitely going to be the type of player that will challenge for everything and will not be bullied by defenders.
Better getting this type of thing from his game now – when we are in transition -than say next year when games may be more important after getting in further new players. After all I do not think we are going to see the best of any of our players until there is a basic new team next summer.
Bobbybee
Sep 11, 2015 at 5:45 PM
Comment #13Sounds about right mr tuff. Next season will be the one when we’re set up the beat teams home and away and this is just transition. Right, time to set off the watch the lads take on the gooners. Prediction tonight 3-2.
Tsunki
Sep 11, 2015 at 5:45 PM
Comment #14Intent, intent, intent. Those are the top three rules for playing the Red Card Flap. Argue all you like for slo-mo enhancing the effect, the fact there was no real injury or that the earth rotates unabated at it’s normal speed – the ref correctly saw a classic self-defence disabling technique and reached for the card before even knowing why he was doing it, an instinctive move drilled into him by his training and job requirement. Quite right. Here is where the story ends.
The new chapter begins with this young firebrand being trained to think correctly regarding gamesmanship and arrogance, and turn them down a notch to sporting advantage and confidence. He has the ability, any casual observer of the game can see he has it so I hope SM and his gang fix him because he could actually surprise this league.
Tsunki
Sep 11, 2015 at 5:55 PM
Comment #15Hello Mr T, good Sir. I trust you are well and suitably unruffled by the caterwauling of the hard done by? It’s been another tiresome day of duelling with the miscreants and snide merchants, however it seems safe to assume that we’ve not seen the last of their shenanigans, I fear.
I think Ian will never get the point that trying to forge alliances with the likes of terminal misanthrops and asocials like Jeff is like hugging a hungry lion. Anyway, it’s getting to the point that I tire of hearing myself whine about it so maybe I will leave others to carry the pitchfork 🙂
Belfast
Sep 11, 2015 at 5:58 PM
Comment #16Completely agree Bill son.
Tsunki a small confession I like nufc83 didn’t believe Jimmy Magpie was deed. I’m deeply sorry.
Jail for Ashley
Sep 11, 2015 at 5:58 PM
Comment #17It must be pointed that BandB’s observation that the biggest advocates of this new era were the ones that steadfastly refused to admit there was anything wrong with the old one, is actually spot on.
Belfast
Sep 11, 2015 at 6:00 PM
Comment #18There always looking volunteers at the foodbank Mister Tiff.
Jail for Ashley
Sep 11, 2015 at 6:01 PM
Comment #19Belfast,
I don’t think you harped on about it after though, we never heard from that ‘orrible old so and so cupid stunt again after that either, can you imagine the irony if he’d died himself.
lesh
Sep 11, 2015 at 6:33 PM
Comment #20Mr Tuff
You’re back from France and nowt’s changed on here. Still suffering the odd silly buggers!!
Anyway, back to Mitro…. I wonder if McClaren’s thought about asking Shearer to come into training and offer some of his wisdom to Mitro? Be hard by all means but be subtle with it.