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The match official controversially ruled out Tiote’s 34th minute scorcher during Newcastle’s 2-0 defeat against Manchester City, sparking outrage in the Toon camp.

Had it stood, cancelling out Edin Dzeko’s opener, the outcome may have been very different.

But despite having his goal of the season contender chalked off, Tiote has already forgiven Jones and his assistants.

And he’s trying to wipe out his memory of the goal that never was.

“I sympathise with the referee,” he said. “It was a difficult decision to make and the rules don’t help.

“The referee was the only man on the pitch who could decide but it was going so quick.

“We need to accept it. There’s no point going over and over it.

“The goal didn’t count so we must move on.”

Tiote had raced towards the home dug-out to celebrate a moment which was at least the equal of his dramatic equaliser in the 4-4 draw against Arsenal, his only previous goal in a Toon shirt.

He added: “I would have loved it to count because the fans are not used to me scoring.

“I chose to celebrate with our coach John Carver because every game I tell him I will shoot and he says ‘No, no, you need to pass the ball!’

“For a goal like that not to be accepted is sad. It was one of my great goals.

“But I can’t think about it too long. We have slipped a bit after a good run and need to get back on the winning track.”