Colo's Response To Rescinded Red Card

By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor

Fabricio Coloccini believes "justice" has been done following the FA's decision to rescind his red card at Sunderland on Sunday.

Newcastle United's captain was given his marching orders by referee Robert Madley on the stroke of half-time, following a shoulder-to-shoulder challenge with Steven Fletcher that resulted in a penalty for the Black Cats, who went on to win 3-0.

United appealed the sending off - which would have seen Coloccini serve a one-game suspension - and saw the decision overturned on Tuesday afternoon.

That pleased the Argentine defender, who is now free to face Stoke this weekend, but speaking to nufc.co.uk he was still clearly frustrated at the dismissal heavily contributing to the Magpies' defeat.

"It is justice," said Coloccini.

"It is not a surprise to me that the red card was overturned because it was a wrong decision.

"I am happy because I am able to play against Stoke, but it does not change what happened on Sunday.

"The red card affected the game and the result, which was very painful for everyone in the Club and the city.

"We lost the game, we lost three points and we lost the derby. We cannot get that back, and that is why I cannot be too happy about winning the appeal - it does not change these things.

"As soon as the referee gave the red card, I knew it was wrong. I spoke with the referee but he had made his decision."

As he left the pitch, Coloccini's anger was evident, and he revealed that knowing he should have still had a part to play in the match was behind that show of emotion.

"I was very angry on the pitch," continued the centre-back.

"I am normally a quiet man but it was a very big injustice in a big game.

"During my career I have had plenty of red cards, and am the first man to put my hands up if I have done wrong but straight away I knew this red card was not the right decision, and that is why I was very angry on the pitch."