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Sorry Nolan on thin ice as ban looms
Newcastle United, 13:13, February 23, 2009 ,
Kevin Nolan apologised to his team-mates, Everton boss David Moyes and the victim of his horror challenge which led to a red card.
Despite pleading his innocence to the referee after the two-footed lunge in yesterday's goalless draw at St James' Park, Nolan sought out Victor Anichebe to say sorry at half-time.
The ex-Bolton midfielder also apologised to his team-mates after seeing red in only his third match for the club - bringing about a three-match suspension.
Nolan will sit out the trip to his old club on Sunday and then the home game against Manchester United on March 4, and the visit to Hull City on March 14.
Acting United manager Chris Hughton conceded Nolan deserved his marching orders for the lunge, though he insisted he would not attempt to curb the 26-year-old competitive edge.
He said: "Kevin is what he is. He's a competitive player, as are players like your Nicky Butts and your Steven Taylors.
"They're competitive players, and if they're competitive players, you expect them to perform competitively.
"I'd say, on the challenge itself, that I didn't think there was any intent or malice in the challenge, but we accept that he did catch the lad.
"Kevin himself has apologised to the lad and also to David Moyes, and it's one we need to pick ourselves up from and go on from here.
"It's disappointing that we lose him, because he's a good player."