Official Line: Nolan and Diaby should have seen red but second Newcastle penalty was baffling



By Graham Poll for the Daily Mail

Barton's tackle on Diaby

Red mist: Arsenal Diaby was sent off after clashing with Joey Barton

I've given Barton plenty of stick in the past but his tackle on Diaby while robust was perfectly acceptable. He was in control of his movement and won the ball. Diaby was caught in the follow through, due to the way he went into the tackle and although his reaction was understandable given his previous injuries, it was over the top and left Dowd no option but to show red.

Should Nolan have been sent off?

Controversy: Joey Barton and Kevin Nolan try to get the ball from Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny

'All we want is consistency ref,' tweeted Jack Wilshere. Nolan joined the fracas involving Diaby and pushed him. If Diaby had to go for two pushes, as Dowd indicated, then surely Nolan should have had yellow for his shove on Diaby and then at least another yellow for throwing Arsenal keeper Szczesny to the ground after Newcastle's first goal. Wilshere was right and should not be punished by the FA.

Newcastle's penalties

Cool head: Joey Barton scores Newcastle's third from the penalty spot

The first penalty was given for a silly tackle by Koscielny on Best. It was soft, but the defender made contact when there was no need. But the second penalty was baffling. Assistant Trevor Massey flagged having seen a push by Rosicky. Replays showed the decision was wrong.





