Publications
Partners
Swansea - Swansea manager Garry Monk accused Steve McClaren's Newcastle of trying to kick Ecuadorian winger Jefferson Montero out of the game in the Welsh side's 2-0 win at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday.
Goals from Bafetimbi Gomis and Andre Ayew saw the Swans beat the Magpies in the Premier League clash, but Monk was irritated by the treatment dished out to Montero.
"I thought Jeff was a little more quiet today, but you could see their tactic was basically to try to kick him," said Monk, who insisted Newcastle full-back Daryl Janmaat was right to be sent-off for his bruising challenges on Montero.
"However, all credit to the referee (Mike Jones), he spotted that early and quite rightly the player was sent off in the end. He needs to be protected."
Montero caused McClaren's side all sorts of trouble in a first half that saw Gomis give Swansea an eighth-minute lead.
In the end referee Jones ran out of patience with Janmaat, who he booked for a crude challenge on the winger in the 16th minute.
Five minutes before half-time, the Dutchman was shown a second yellow card for tugging the 25-year-old's shirt.
McClaren was less than pleased with Jones for brandishing the second yellow card and claimed the official could have been a little less hasty.
"I thought the second card was harsh. It was a long way from goal," said McClaren.
"Ok, Daryl had made his presence known - which he needed to do - but it was a little tug. I thought the referee could have been lenient. I could complain but it would be a limp one. From then on it's very difficult."
In response to Monk's claim that Newcastle set out to target Montero, McClaren added: "I don't think we are capable of doing that (kicking). I don't think the game represents that now. Our team is a football team. We are not kickers, so I would dispute that."
Ayew, a summer signing from Marseille, continued his excellent start to life with Swansea as he bagged the second goal after 52 minutes to kill off Newcastle's challenge.
That was the Ghanaian international's second goal in as many league games - like Gomis - after netting in the 2-2 draw at champions Chelsea last weekend.
"I knew he (Gomis) would score goals but he is contributing well all over the pitch too. It was a great build up for that goal. And Andre did exceptionally well too," said Monk.
"I talked to the players all week about good teams backing up good performances with another. We got that. They were excellent."
Former England boss McClaren has yet to experience a win in his first two league games in charge of the Magpies, and he pleaded for improved discipline from his side.
"We've learned nothing today apart from we need to keep 11 players on the field. You can't win in the Premier League with 10 players and it's obviously very difficult against a very good Swansea team," he said.
"We lost (Moussa) Sissoko as well and we had a mountain to climb.
"So, I don't think you can judge us on that game and performance, which is a shame. It's kind of a waste of a game when we need to learn about the players and what we can do and the way we go about things," added McClaren.
