A late goal from Loic Remy has pulled Newcastle United level 1-1 at half time against a nine-man Stoke City side in the Premier League.
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Moussa Sissoko tested the visitors early on when he let fly with a rasping shot from outside the box, which was well saved at the bottom right-hand corner of the goal.
Geoff Cameron hit back for Stoke by playing in Peter Crouch, but the striker's effort was saved by Tim Krul as it looked headed for the top corner.
Hatem Ben Arfa picked up the ball from distance and smashed a stinging effort towards the Stoke goal, which narrowly evaded the top-left corner.
Despite their early dominance, Newcastle conceded in the 29th minute thanks to a solo effort from Oussama Assaidi, who smashed the ball across the face of goal and into the top corner.
Assaidi threatened again nearing the end of the half and it took some good work from Krul to keep out the player's effort in the centre of goal.
Stoke were dealt a double-blow as Glenn Whelan was given his marching orders following a second yellow card, before City boss Mark Hughes was also sent to the stands following his reaction to the decision.
The visitors were then reduced to nine as Marc Wilson brought down Remy in the box, but the striker missed the kick.
However, Remy made up for his miss minutes later by converting a rather lucky attempt in order to pull Newcastle level at the break.
Christopher Dodd
