Newcastle 3-0 Fulham
by Roger Domeneghetti
at St James' Park

A GAME that could have been marred by a post-Champions League hangover was in the end all rather routine for Newcastle.

It might have been different, but they were handed an early Christmas present, perfectly gift-wrapped with a bow on top, when midway through the first half, Raul Jimenez was sent off for a recklessly high challenge on Sean Longstaff.

The Newcastle player was lucky not to be seriously injured and so it was referee Sam Barrott showed only a yellow. However, he was subsequently instructed to take a second look on the pitch-side monitor by VAR Michael Salisbury. And we all know what that means…