Mike Williamson got sent off 'on purpose': Newcastle United boss John Carver makes astonishing claim after Leicester defeat

Newcastle boss launches astonishing attack after 'gutless' defeat

Mike Williamson received a second yellow card after a foul on Jamie Vardy (Getty Images)

Newcastle United manager John Carver launched an extraordinary attack on the character of his players last night, when he accused defender Mike Williamson of deliberately getting sent off in their 3-0 defeat at Leicester City.

Carver, whose team ended the match with nine men when Daryl Janmaat was dismissed in added time for his second bookable offence, confronted Williamson in the dressing room. The defender was shown a red card for a 61st-minute challenge on Jamie Vardy when the ball was off the pitch. “I thought to myself ‘he’s done that on purpose’,” said Carver.

“There was no need to make the tackle. He’s now got a two-match ban with three games left. I don’t know, is it an easy way out? I thought he meant it.

“When the ball went on to that left-hand side my first reaction was don’t do it. He did it. Vardy was off the pitch, Willo was off the pitch. There was no need to do it and I’m not accepting that, especially with the situation we are in. I told him that to his face. I don’t want to go into his reaction. I was the most animated I have been in my football career.

“What I can’t do is give players desire, to get their noses broken or a cut on their eye by trying to head the ball. I wish I could be out there with them, and affect them. We have a problem. We are a soft touch.”

He also sided with the fans who called the players “gutless and spineless” as they boarded the team bus for a short journey to East Midlands airport.

“I can’t disagree. I know some of the players went over to them at the end and they said, in so many words, ‘go away, we don’t want to see you’. If I had been there in that stand I would have done the same thing. All they want is to see them work hard. They want to see determination and desire. I’ve told them to grow up, to take it on the chin. If they want to go and hide behind a post, let them. We can talk and talk. I am an honest, straight guy. I am only telling you what I told them. If they don’t want to accept it they can stay at home. I am not a shirker.

“There might have been players who didn’t try – maybe they don’t think they’ll get a new contract or be here next year. But they’re getting paid and should try. We’ll have an open discussion on Monday – it’ll be interesting.”