You can’t say that there was any element of surprise that Aleksandar Mitrovic was red-carded just three weeks into his Newcastle career.
The young Serbian came with a certain reputation that pretty much broke him down to being part Mario Balotelli, part Eric Cantona and part any other lunatic who plays football.
Mitrovic was given his marching orders just 16 minutes into the Magpies home game against Arsenal for a studs-up challenge on Francis Coquelin.
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville must have been doing the dirty for the afternoon, watching BT Sport’s coverage of the early kick-off as he quickly took to Twitter to agree with Andre Mariner’s decision.
"Red for me! …" http://t.co/JKgHtggLgJ
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) August 29, 2015
But his analysis soulmate Jamie Carragher disagreed with Neville.
@GNev2 You wouldn’t have been happy going off for that!
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) August 29, 2015
Neville, quick as a flash, responded by bringing up an instance back in 2011 that saw Carragher commit a similar challenge on Nani.
I've just spoken to Nani. He's wondering if he can have his shin back? https://t.co/oi7f5Z8Viw
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) August 29, 2015
Was this a red? @Carra23 http://t.co/nO5wauQeqs
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) August 29, 2015
Carragher came back with some refreshing honesty.
It’s a man’s game! I was a little late & high to be fair. Similar to Bardsley on Hazard which you said was a yellow! https://t.co/riu7Iwjrgw — Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) August 29, 2015
I would have seen it coming a mile off! https://t.co/dOhpitvFnh
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) August 29, 2015
No he was just to quick & skilful for me as I explained to Phil Dowd at the time. My only regret is it wasn’t you!! https://t.co/dkrNSie6rt
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) August 29, 2015
Get these lads a sitcom for the love of God.
