Newcastle United’s friendly trip to Saudi Arabia ended in shame as Ciaran Clark appeared to punch a Saudi player during the end of tour match.
The Ireland defender was sent off during the behind closed doors friendly before watching dignitaries including the UK Saudi ambassador Neil Crompton.
Eddie Howe earlier claimed the trip to Jeddah had been a huge success with the team bonding more tightly and making friends with the new owners and locals.
But Clark, who was also saw red in the Premier League game against Norwich earlier this season, got into a “tangle” with a his rival from Al-Ittihad at the King Abdullah Sports City
Newcastle won the game 2-1, but Clark was grappling for the ball, went to ground and appeared from video footage to hit his Moroccan opponent Abdo Hamdallah, and both were sent off.
Club officials reported Clark was “somewhat harshly shown straight red.”
United stars had spent the training break working on tactics and fitness in the Saudi sun, but had also been sand driving in the desert, danced with locals and Dwight Gayle was even pictured riding a camel.
Howe’s team played two 35 minute periods, but the game was marred by Clark’s outburst.
It was all smiles between Clark and Al-Ittihad's Abderazak Hamdallah - whom the Irishman hit and who was also sent off - at full-time, as the pair posed for pictures together and traded shirts.
Newcastle are looking to reinforce their centre back position before the transfer deadline closes.
A bid for Brighton's Dan Burn has been tabled after they were priced out of signing Sven Botman and Diego Carlos.
Howe said of the Saudi trip: “We come back a more united group.
"We brought the team to a new environment to stimulate them and forge new friendships. That is the key thing.
“The squad has enjoyed the Saudi warmth and Howe added: “Spirit in camp is high. Collective confidence is that we can achieve our aims.
“It has been really good. We have enjoyed ourselves and the sun has shone and the weather has been good. The players were lifted by that sunshine. We have done some activities as well trying to unite the club.”
“I attended a match with staff, a World Cup qualifier, Saudi Arabia winning 1-0. Training has taken priority.”
