Steve McClaren Blasts Referee For "Rash" Red Card In Newcastle Win Over Sacramento Republic

Steve McClaren was apoplectic on the touchline after Massadio Haidara was dismissed during Newcastle United's pre-season friendly victory over Sacramento Republic - believing the referee was "rash" to send the left-back off. Haidara was shown a red card after 65 minutes for a high challenge after the ball was played in the air across to the right, then the left-back went in with his studs high and planted them into the chest of Danny Barrera. The referee went straight for his pocket and brandished the red card. Although it was dangerous it certainly didn€™t seem intentional - and McClaren believes it overshadowed Newcastle's 1-0 victory at the Bonney Field, courtesy of an incredible own goal from James Kiffe.

"It's a pre-season friendly. There was no malice in the challenge. "He wasn't looking at the man - he was looking at the ball. "It looked bad because he clashed with the opponent, but you've got to be sensible. "I thought he (the referee) was a little bit too rash. "It was a rash challenge and it was a rash red card. It was disappointing. It made our boys have to work harder in the last 25 minutes."