• Premier League

Pardew: Johnson's antics were stupid and shameful

Angry players are kept apart after an ugly clash between Loic Remy and Bradley Johnson © PA Photos

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Alan Pardew has accused Norwich's Bradley Johnson of stupidity and shameful drama after he was involved in an ugly incident with Loic Remy.

Johnson was sent off with the Newcastle striker towards the end of Tuesday night's goalless draw at Carrow Road.

Pardew claims that, despite both players becoming embroiled in pushing and a head-to-head confrontation, it was Johnson's reaction which gave referee Chris Foy little choice but to show them both a red card.

"There is probably just enough for the referee to send them off," Pardew said. "But Johnson's reaction to the heads meeting, in terms that he got a headbutt when he did not, was the catalyst for them both to get sent off.

"It was his own fault, if he had not have done that then maybe the referee would have taken a more lenient view, but he made such a drama out of it, he should be ashamed of himself really.

"We won't appeal, because I think there was enough for Chris there, but once he has done that stupid reaction, the crowd went all mad and the referee has got no choice really.

"That was the thing the game will be remembered for, when it should not have been because we had some outstanding performances, and I cannot understand how we have not won the game."

Norwich manager Chris Hughton agreed with his Newcastle counterpart that the red cards were uncalled for, but defended his player.

Hughton said: "Johnson's sending off was incredibly soft. I presumed something else had happened apart from what I did see, which was him push Remy in the chest - over aggressively? Not really.

"Bradley has not gone down on the floor. All he has done is pull his head away. Regards the amount of contact, I don't know, but certainly Johnson is not the type of player who would look to get someone sent off.

"My gut feeling is we will appeal, but you always have to look at it again and make the right decisions."

Before the late clash between Johnson and Remy, Norwich's Robert Snodgrass was involved in a heated exchange with home supporters in the City Stand, which Hughton has said he will investigate.

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