The end of the first half was beginning to get a bit feisty and it seems as if that passion has spilled over to the second half as Arsenal enjoy a 0-4 lead. After just a few minutes, Abou Diaby saw red when he shoved Joey Barton by the back of the neck down to the pitch. Diaby's anger stemmed from a heavy challenge from Barton in midfield.
Newcastle United Vs. Arsenal: Abou Diaby Sent Off For Shove On Joey Barton
Diaby was wrong for his reaction, but replays do prove that the tackle was dangerous and could have easily broke Diaby’s leg. For all the possibilities, Diaby emerged from the challenge unscathed but made his feelings known to Barton immediately after the incident.
Referee Phil Dowd had no choice but to send off Diaby and Arsenal progress forward still up four but are now down to ten men. 12 minutes into the second half, Newcastle are starting to show signs of life and have tested Arsenal's Wojciech Szczesny on multiple occasions.
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