Chris Sutton and Alan Shearer cannot make up their mind on Twitter after Isaac Hayden was shown a red card during Newcastle United’s 4-0 defeat to Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Sunday evening.
Hayden, 24, flew into a tackle with Leicester midfielder Dennis Praet and although the former Arsenal man got the ball, his momentum saw Hayden fly into Leicester’s summer signing. Replays showed Hayden caught Praet with his studs.
Leicester had taken the lead earlier in the match, scoring through right-back Ricardo Pereira. Jamie Vardy notched a brace, while Paul Dummett scored an own goal after an incisive Leicester counter attack.
Newcastle legend Shearer believes referee Craig Pawson was right to send Hayden off with the tackle seemingly over-committed given Praet’s close proximity – while Sutton defender Hayden, believing the tackle was only worthy of a yellow card.
TBR’s view – So, was Hayden’s tackle deserving of a red card?
To put it simply, yes. Though Sutton makes a point in that Hayden’s momentum means he has nowhere to go, the Newcastle midfielder is way over the top in terms of recklessness, and indeed over the top of the ball.
There is no reason as to why Hayden needs to fly into the challenge in the way he does, unless he is trying to release his frustration. It is a silly red card, and now Newcastle are without one of their most influential players for three matches.

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