Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew has conceded that Mathieu Debuchy deserved to be sent off in the 1-0 defeat to West Bromwich Albion this afternoon.
The Frenchman was issued with a straight red card on 63 minutes by referee Lee Mason for a two-footed lunge on Claudio Yacob, before the Baggies ultimately capitalised on their numerical advantage after Saido Berahino struck an 87th-minute penalty.
Pardew claims that his side suffered from fatigue after going down to 10 men, but the 52-year-old has no complaints over the decision to dismiss Debuchy.
"It was a red," he told reporters. "You can't take off with two feet in this division.
"After that we looked tired and we had injuries. I have no complaints about the penalty. I can't fault my players."
The Magpies, who remain eighth in the table, host fellow Premier League outfit Cardiff City in a third-round FA Cup clash at St James' Park on Saturday.
Shane Callaghan
