​Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez has revealed that he hasn't had to speak to midfielder Jonjo Shelvey after his dismissal last weekend, because he has spent the week apologising to his teammates.





The former England international received a red card after reacting to provocation from Nottingham Forest’s Henri Lansbury in the club’s 2-1 defeat at the City Ground, leaving the team with just nine men following teammate Paul Dummett also receiving his marching orders in the first half.

And asked whether he had spoken to the player about his discipline and aggressive nature, Benitez, according to the ​Shields Gazette , said: " I didn’t have to say anything to him because he was apologising to everyone.





“He knew he made a mistake. If he wants to grow, and I think he does, he has to keep doing the same thing he has been during the season.

BREAKING: Jonjo Shelvey & Paul Dummett have suspensions withdrawn after wrongful dismissal claims against Nottingham Forest were successful. — Sky Sports News HQ (@SkySportsNewsHQ) December 6, 2016

“He has been one of the best players in the team because he came back from the summer really focused. He was concentrating, training really well and listening to everyone.





“Then this thing that happened the other day proved that he has to stay focused and do his job like he was before. I’m confident he can do that.





"When I talk to him or see him playing, I realise there’s a very good player who has to have this control. It’s a question of time. He has to be more mature in his reaction, but I think he has to learn."





Since then, however, both the red cards issued by the referee have been overturned after two appeals, and both players are available for the club's next game against Birmingham at home.



