Gayle defends midfielder after red card

DWIGHT Gayle says criticising Jonjo Shelvey for his red card against Tottenham Hotspur is counterproductive.

Newcastle United players have got behind Shelvey in the aftermath of his dismissal at St James’ Park after the England midfielder stood on Dele Alli on Sunday before Andre Marriner sent him off during the 2-0 defeat.

Shelvey will now be suspended until September, but Gayle hopes the 25-year-old gets all the help he needs to get back to playing well for the Magpies.

Gayle told the Chronicle: “It happens. We need to stick together and not be digging anybody out.

“We know Jonjo is upset but he is going to be a big player for us and we are going to need him this season.

“It is important we stick together in the next few weeks.”

Gayle feels the red card created a momentum shift that

He reflected: “We felt quite comfortable and we could have taken something out of the game with 11 men.

“It is just a feeling of frustration really. I thought we played well in the first half and we felt comfortable defending.

“It was just unlucky really. Now we have to stick together and put the pressure on next week and take what we learned against Spurs into the Huddersfield game and the next few after that.

“We started really well, put them under pressure and came out of the blocks well. “I don’t think they expected it. “There were good signs and hopefully we can now build on that and grow with belief.”

The clash with Spurs also saw Gayle return to the starting XI after a couple of weeks out with a hamstring injury.

After playing 76 minutes, he added: “I just need to get my fitness.

“We pressed really well and defended deep.

“It was a good fitness exercise for us, we are just gutted we did not get any points.

“Next week against Huddersfield is massive now.”