English Premier League: Steve McClaren defends Aleksandar Mitrovic after Arsenal red card

NEWCASTLE head coach Steve McClaren defended striker Aleksandar Mitrovic after his early red card against Arsenal.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - AUGUST 29: Aleksandar Mitrovic (2nd R) of Newcastle United is shown a red card by referee Andre Marriner (1st R) during the Barclays Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal at St James' Park on August 29, 2015 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

NEWCASTLE head coach Steve McClaren defended striker Aleksandar Mitrovic after his early red card against Arsenal.

The Serbian, who was booked in each of his first two appearances for the club, was dismissed by referee Andre Marriner after catching midfielder Francis Coquelin 16 minutes into the Magpies’ 1-0 home defeat

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, who accused McClaren’s men of taking a “physical” approach to a game in which they also had six players booked, said the former Anderlecht man had to go, but his opposite number did not agree.

Aleksandar Mitrovic can’t hide his surprise after being sent off by referee Andre Marriner.

McClaren said: “(Moussa) Sissoko had a similar one just before, and that was given a yellow.

“I’ve seen it over and over — it’s come over his head, he’s looking at the ball, there is no intent, there is no maliciousness, it’s just coming down and he’s just stamped on his foot.

“It definitely was not dangerous. It was clumsy, but I have seen plenty of clumsy challenges. Football is a contact sport, it’s a physical sport and we cannot take that away.

Steve McLaren: “It definitely was not dangerous. It was clumsy.”

“And I don’t think any of the tackles — and don’t get me wrong, the seven yellows and red card ... It was not a dirty game and we’ve not kicked them off the park.

“They were fouls and I think the ref has reacted too harshly with every one of them — a bit too soon, a bit too rash.”

Asked if the club would appeal Mitrovic’s red card, McClaren added: “I hope I can. No doubt we will lose it.”

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Originally published as English Premier League: Steve McClaren defends Aleksandar Mitrovic after Arsenal red card