Harper "gutted" after red card blow

By Matthew Jones
January 25 2003

Newcastle United's Steve Harper is GUTTED as he faces a 3 match ban. The goalkeeper was sent off during Newcastle Reserves vs Blackburn Reserves on Thursday. He is unable to appeal as the encounter was not recorded by television cameras.

Newcastle United goalkeeper, Steve Harper has admitted how shocked and "gutted" he is to have recieved his red card against Blackburn reserves on Thursday resulting in a three match ban.

The Magpies' shot-stopper was sent off just before half time during the disappointing defeat for allegedly aiming a kick at Rovers striker Jimmy Corbett.

He now faces a three-match ban which will rule him out of Newcastle's crucial forthcoming Premiership clashes with Arsenal, Leeds and Chelsea.

However, Harper believes referee Nigel Miller made the wrong decision, insisting the clash was an accident and he says he was gutted to be given his marching orders.

"I couldn't believe it," said Harper. "I was in the process of kicking the ball out of my hands, and the lad has ran across me. He's changed his position, I've changed mine, and the momentum has carried me into him.

"When he (Miller) came up to me, he said that I had kicked him, so he showed me the straight red card," he added. "Anyone who knows me will know that I would not kick out an opponent, and I still say I didn't.

"I am gutted, and in shock to be honest," he added on the club's website. "I spent the second half with my head in my hands because I couldn't believe it and even their lad involved in the incident said he was surprised to see the red card.

Despite his disappointment, Harper is unable to appeal against his dismissal as the reserves' encounter was not recorded by television cameras.