Newcastle appeal Coloccini red card against Sunderland

By foxsports
Published

Newcastle United have submitted an appeal to the Football Association to have the red card shown to captain Fabricio Coloccini during the 3-0 defeat to Sunderland rescinded.

The defender was dismissed by referee Robert Madley in first-half stoppage time at the Stadium of Light for a last-man challenge on Sunderland forward Steven Fletcher. 

Adam Johnson scored from the resulting penalty to give Sunderland the lead, with Billy Jones and Fletcher adding to the scoreline in the second-half. 

Madley's decision incensed Newcastle manager Steve McClaren, while Magpies defender Darryl Janmaat labeled it as "unbelievable". 

Coloccini is facing a one-match ban and will miss Saturday's game against Stoke City at St James' Park if Newcastle are unsuccessful in their appeal..  

In a statement, the club said: "Newcastle United have lodged an appeal with the Football Association for the wrongful dismissal of Fabricio Coloccini during Sunday's Tyne-Wear derby match against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

"Coloccini was given a straight red card by referee Robert Madley in first half injury time following an incident involving Steven Fletcher, which resulted in the awarding of a penalty kick.

"The appeal will be heard by a Regulatory Commission on Tuesday afternoon and the club will be notified of the result shortly afterwards.

"Should the dismissal stand, United's captain will miss Saturday's Premier League fixture with Stoke City at St. James' Park."

The decision to brandish a red card to Coloccini was an example of the so-called "triple punishment".

Currently, a player who denies a goal scoring opportunity in the 18-yard box gives away a penalty, receives a red card and receives a one-game suspension.

The International Football Association Board and FIFA agreed to change this rule in February in Belfast.

Presently, a new set of rules are being "analysed" by FIFA and will be voted on at IFAB's AGM on March 4 in Cardiff.

Sky Sports understands the part of the "triple punishment" that will be abolished is the one-game suspension.

The intention is to formalize the rules in time for IFAB's AGM, with the hope that a new rule can be passed and be brought into operation next season.