Pardew backs Ameobi over dismissal
by Sammy Wejinya 06 January 2013, 13:38
The Newcastle United Manager, Alan Pardew has backed striker, Shola Ameobi over his red card in the club’s third round FA Cup defeat at Brighton and Hove Albion.
The Nigerian forward was given the marching orders in the 62nd minute of Newcastle’s 0-2 loss to the championship side following a challenge on Moreno David Lopez.
It was the striker’s second yellow of the match which left the referee with no option but to send him off.
Pardew feels his big striker should have been given the benefit of the doubt and allowed to stay on.
“I think it was a bit of an unfair decision. You could see that he (the referee) took a long hard look at the situation before showing him the red card. Shola should have been allowed to carry on because the offence was not too severe,” a disappointed Pardew said.
The former West Ham United gaffer then accused Moreno of play acting; an act which he claimed conned the referee.
“The player goes down and takes a sly look at the match official before going on to make a meal of it. That was very unfortunate and that may have affected the decision of the ref,” he complained.
Shola’s younger brother, Sammy was on for Newcastle from start to finish in the loss to Newcastle but rarely threatened as Gus Poyet’s side won at a canter.
It is still unclear if Shola will play for Nigeria at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations which begins on January 19 while Sammy has yet to earn a cap for the Super Eagles.
