Mike Jones was not for swaying despite Cheick Tiote’s best efforts (Picture: Reuters)

Mike Jones has paid the price for the poor decision which denied Newcastle a goal on Sunday, with the Chester-based official relieved of refereeing duties in this weekend’s Premier League rota.

Jones ruled out Cheick Tiote’s thunderous long-range strike on the advice of his linesman after the midfielder’s offside team-mate Yoan Gouffran was adjudged to be interfering with play.

However, replays showed Gouffran was not in City goalkeeper Joe Hart’s line of vision as Tiote’s blast hit the net.

The Magpies’ players and fans were understandably riled by the decision, while incensed Toon boss Alan Pardew took his frustrations out on City boss Manuel Pellegrini in a foul-mouthed touchline tirade.




The goal, had it stood, would have levelled the match at 1-1 but, instead, Alvaro Negredo added to Edin Dzeko’s opener to seal a 2-0 victory and send City top of the table.

Jones, 45, now finds himself relegated to a fourth-official role as Sunderland host Southampton on Saturday, with Chris Foy named as ref for the Stadium of Light clash.

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