Haidara's dismissal may have left head coach Steve McClaren apoplectic on the touchline, but it was nothing less than the left-back deserved. Yes the challenge which brought the red card was unintentional, but it was reckless and could have caused some serious damage to Danny Barrera. In the 65th minute of the encounter, as the ball was played in the air across to the right, Haidara went in with his studs high and planted them into the chest of Barrera. The referee went straight for his pocket and brandished the red card. Although it was dangerous it certainly didnt seem intentional - but that didn't matter. Being down to 10 men stifled Newcastle and ensured they could not claim a comfortable victory in California, instead being forced to hold on for their slender 1-0 win. A ban also follows now for Haidara and, with Paul Dummett out injured, McClaren will be forced to shuffle his pack and field either Jack Colback or Vurnon Anita out of position at full-back - or change his formation entirely. What's perhaps even more disappointing is that Haidara was looking very good in pre-season, particularly in attack, and now his own match fitness could be affected by the fact he is banned for the next game. CLICK HERE to read the match report from Newcastle's 1-0 win over Sacramento.Or CLICK HERE to read the player ratings from the game.And CLICK HERE to read "16 Things We Learned From Newcastle Vs Sacramento Republic".For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow whatculture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.
NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.
