Archive
Tiote: "I Wanted To Play On!"
Written by Newcastle Utd
Cheick Tiote needed stitches after a head wound which led to ten minutes of stoppage time at Chelsea - but didn't want to come off
By Dan King - Newcastle United Club Reporter
Ivorian iron man Cheick Tiote was stretchered off during Newcastle's win at Chelsea and needed seven stitches to a head wound but insisted: "I wanted to play on!"
The tough-tackling midfielder was accidentally caught by John Mikel Obi as the pair challenged for a high ball and suffered a deep gash above his right eye, with play delayed for eight minutes as he was treated.
Players from both sides crowded around, visibly concerned for the 25-year-old, while the two sets of supporters applauded him off the field as Ryan Taylor prepared to replace him. But amazingly, as he was carried down the tunnel Tiote pleaded with club doctor Paul Catterson and physio David Henderson to allow him to return to the fray.
"I wanted to play on but the doctor said it's not possible to come back onto the pitch so I had to respect his decision," he told nufc.co.uk.
"And the team finished the job so I'm happy tonight. It was painful but that's football. I am okay and I'm just thinking about Sunday now.
"When I was down, my eyes were groggy and I couldn't see properly but now I'm okay and I will be fit for Sunday."
A combination of Tiote's injury and several substitutions meant that there were ten minutes of stoppage time added on as United tried to preserve their 1-0 lead.
But rather than merely clinging on, the Magpies doubled their advantage through Papiss Cisse's second goal of the night.
And the former FC Twente man said: "I wasn't worried that we'd hold on because after that we stayed focused and played well. Then Papiss scored his second goal for a great result.
"When I came off I just took a shower and after that, sat in the dressing room so I didn't see the goal - only on video!
"But it was a nice goal, a good finish and that's Papiss - he scores every time and it's good for us.
"Chelsea have good players and it was another great win, like the one against Manchester United. We did very well as a team. Everyone did their job and we got a fantastic win."