A vast number of Newcastle United fans have been left crediting Isaac Hayden for his heartfelt apology after he was sent off against Cardiff City on Saturday.
The former Arsenal man, who is naturally a defensive midfielder, was shoehorned into a right back role as a replacement for Javier Manquillo at half time against the Bluebirds, but was given a straight red by referee Craig Pawson for what was deemed to be a dangerous tackle.
Taking to his personal Twitter account after the game, Hayden wrote a heartfelt apology for his actions, and insisted he would be doing what he could to repay his team mates and fans, saying: “Have to appologise to everyone for today, was a needless tackle and one that was stupid from me in that circumstance in the game.
“Will learn from it for sure and will be doing my upmost to repair my mistake today, for my teammates,manager and staff and fans in the future.”
Have to appologise to everyone for today, was a needless tackle and one that was stupid from me in that circumstance in the game. Will learn from it for sure and will be doing my upmost to repair my mistake today, for my teammates,manager and staff and fans in the future #NUFC
— Isaac Hayden (@IsaacHayden65) August 18, 2018
Numerous Newcastle fans took to Twitter to react to the comment, with many appreciating the fact he took the time out to issue a statement.
This is Futbol has gathered a selection of the supporters’ tweets:
https://twitter.com/d_n_g_x/status/1030858649101656064
Fair play lad.
— Adam. (@AdamNUFC_) August 18, 2018
No way was that a red mate. But the apology is appreciated. Keep your chin up and come back stronger. Any issues that your having, you have our support.
— Just a black and white Fan (@SWGEORDIE) August 18, 2018
https://twitter.com/GrahamMegennis/status/1030860526971244544
Bad days happens with everyone. Just keep working hard mate and all be fine!??
— Evgeny Kolobrodov (@Jason_Mag) August 18, 2018
Ridiculous decision to show a red. Anyone who know about football knows as much.
Good on you for posting this though.— NUFC.org (@NUFC_org) August 18, 2018
https://twitter.com/MichaelMidd90/status/1030860358053978112
Fair play to @IsaacHayden65 for this#NUFC
— Hilmy Lightning Shawwal (@shawwal_96) August 18, 2018
Opinion
Credit where credit is due, Hayden did not need to issue this statement but has chosen to anyway. The tackle was a dubious red card, but giving the referee a decision to make is always a risk. It seems as though the Toon Army, as with any of their players in tough times, are behind Hayden, despite much speculation about his future at the club. This will only endear him to the supporters at St James’ Park and if he reads through the messages in response then he will see that no matter what problems he is having, with personal issues stated as a reason behind his desire to leave the club, the fans on Tyneside are always behind him. Still, where they really need him is out on the football pitch, and he now faces a ban for the red. Hopefully, as a young player, he will learn from his mistakes, be that at Newcastle or elsewhere.