Newcastle vs Tottenham: Jonjo Shelvey shown straight red card after stamping on Dele Alli just two-minutes into second-half
Newcastle vs Tottenham, Jonjo Shelvey red card, Dele Alli, St James' Park, Premier League, Spurs
NEWCASTLE star Jonjo Shelvey was red-carded today for stamping on Tottenham's Dele Alli.
The England midfielder was dismissed just two-minutes into the second-half after the foolish kick-out.
SkySports co-commentator Alan Smith, said: "Is that the most stupid red card you have ever seen in your life from Jonjo Shelvey?
"That was just totally irresponsible, he's the captain of Newcastle United and he does that, and reduces his team to ten men."
And Toon legend Alan Shearer was also scathing in his criticism - branding Shelvey's challenge "pathetic".
Spurs had looked unlikely to break down the Magpies before Shelvey's moment of madness.
But 13 minutes after he left the field, Alli put his side in front after Christian Eriksen set him up perfectly.
And left-back Ben Davies added a second from another Eriksen assist with 20 minutes left to seal a comfortable victory.
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After the game, Christian Atsu told Sky Sports that Shelvey had apologised to his team-mates.
He said: "It became more difficult when the red card came.
"That’s football. Mistakes do happen. He’ll learn from his mistakes. He’s upset with himself. He thinks he let the team down.
"We are really behind him. We believe he will come back stronger. He apologised to everyone."
And Alli added: “We knew it was going to be a physical game. It's not an easy place to come. It happens sometimes.
"I'm sure he'll be disappointed. it was important we stayed professional. I don't want to talk about it too much.
"I've had a few talks with the gaffer in the past [about his temperament].
"I've been pulled up for my temper before but today we had to keep our cool. There was no need to react today.”
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