Newcastle succeed in overturning Fabricio Coloccini derby red card, but club is charged

Newcastle have successfully appealed Fabricio Coloccini's red card in the Tyne-Wear derby, although the Football Association has charged the club with failing to control their players in the aftermath of that decision in the defeat to Sunderland.

Tempers frayed at the Stadium of Light after the Magpies captain was given a straight red card by referee Robert Madley in first-half injury time, having appeared to bundle over Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher as he raced towards goal.

Newcastle lodged an appeal after the 3-0 loss for wrongful dismissal - something the FA accepted, meaning Coloccini will now not have to serve a one-match ban.

The club have, though, been charged with failing to control their players after they furiously harangued referee Robert Madley.

It seems like the FA have come to a common sense decision over the Coloccini red card. While there was certainly enough contact between the Newcastle defender and Steven Fletcher to suggest a foul had been committed, it is difficult to argue it was a straight red card as the home forward was not sure to be denied a clear goalscoring chance. A yellow would have been a wiser course of action from the referee Robert Madley, a call that has been reflected in the FA's decision to rescind the suspension.

The FA can't condone Newcastle's players losing their composure, but you do sympathise with the club facing a misconduct charge as the red card clearly altered the course of the match with Newcastle dominant until they were reduced to 10 men. You would hope the governing body would take emotions into consideration with the referee's decision altering the outlook of the contest.