Martin O'Neill: "I find it extraordinary that sort of interpretation has been put on the game.
"The first two fouls in the game came inside the first three minutes and they were ours, but the next seven fouls over the next quarter-of-an-hour were all from the opposition.
"At half-time, I think we went in with two yellows and Newcastle with four.
"We also felt that there were a few yellow card decisions in there that Newcastle were lucky to get away with, so how anyone could say we were the dirty side is beyond me.
"I was very proud of my players. We won the first half, had the best chance before the hour in the second-half and then held out successfully for half-an-hour with just 10 men.
"It was terribly unfortunate that we conceded in injury-time, but I don't think anyone could argue that we weren't the better side on the day.
"Well, I say I don't think so - but it wouldn't surprise me if someone tried."
PREMIER FIXTURES
Saturday 10th March 2012
Bolton Wanderers v Queens Park Rangers 12:45
Aston Villa v Fulham 15:00
Chelsea v Stoke City 15:00
Sunderland v Liverpool 15:00
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Blackburn Rovers 15:00
Everton v Tottenham Hotspur 17:30
Sunday 11th March 2012
Manchester United v West Bromwich Albion 14:00
Swansea City v Manchester City 14:00
Norwich City v Wigan Athletic 16:00
Monday 12th March 2012
Arsenal v Newcastle United 20:00
WIN A COPY OF - "Magpies In Europe"!
It features match reports and individual features from Toon fans on Newcastle's 120 European games ... including eye witness accounts the 60 'away' trips the Mags have made in Europe.
Sports Journalist Richie Everson: "At last a book that the fabulous Newcastle United fans can relate to. It's informative, all the facts and figures are there, plus the 120 match reports from all the fixtures ... but it is the articles by the supporters that amazed me.
"I went to many of those games, and this is the only book I can honestly say 'hits the nail on the head'!
"Yes we know the results and the scorers, but some of the facts in this book had me so wrapped up in it I couldn't put it down.
"Was Benny Arentoft cup-tied when he played in the final? Big Wyn and his battle with John McGrath; McFaul scoring a penalty when the crowd had gone home; the trouble in Palermo; it is all amazing stuff.
"I would honestly give this book 10 out of 10."
MAGPIES IN EUROPE From Antwerp to Zurich Price: £9.99 (including post) The book is available NOW! Please include your address in a letter and send a cheque (or postal order) for £9.99 payable to Mr K Fletcher, to:
'MAGPIES IN EUROPE', K Fletcher, 5 Dunelm, Sacriston, Co Durham DH7 6NU.
WE HAVE THREE COPIES TO GIVE AWAY
Simply answer these three questions:
1) What year did Newcastle win the Fairs Cup? 1969, 1979 or 1989?
2) When Tino Asprilla (pictured right) scored his hat-trick against Barcelona, who was the Newcastle manager? Joe Harvey, Kevin Keegan or Kenny Dalglish?
3) Our last European game was against AZ Alkmaar. What country are they from? Turkey, Holland or Belgium?
Send your answers (with your name) to:
E-Mail: Kevnumad@fsmail.net
Winners will be drawn on Friday March 9th.
Good luck!