Ciaran Clark sent off as Newcastle United round-off Saudi Arabia trip with win over Al-Ittihad

Ciaran Clark was shown a red card as Newcastle United rounded-off their mid-season trip to Saudi Arabia with a 2-1 win over Al-Ittihad.

The Magpies defender was sent off following a middle of the pitch altercation with goalscorer Abderrazak Hamdallah, who also received his marching orders after half-time.

Allan Saint-Maximin, after weaving past a couple of defenders, opened the scoring for Eddie Howe’s side on nine minutes before the hosts hit back through Hamdallah.

Both sides went down to 10 men but United managed to find a winner at the 27,000-capacity Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium on 57 minutes as substitute Ryan Fraser unleashed an effort into the top corner.

The duration of the game was reduced to 70 minutes due to the heat in the Middle East.

Kieran Trippier captained the side for the first time as Jamaal Lascelles started on the bench after picking up a hamstring injury in the 1-0 win at Leeds United.

There was no Martin Dubravka, Emil Krafth, Jamal Lewis or Matt Ritchie involved, while Miguel Almiron and Chris Wood are on international duty with Paraguay and New Zealand, respectively.

Joelinton and Paul Dummett, both present in Jeddash, missed the game due to injuries sustained in the win at Leeds, while Federico Fernandez, Isaac Hayden and Callum Wilson remained sidelined.

Howe’s men fly back to the UK on Saturday and will begin their preparations for the Premier League clash against Everton at St James’ Park on Tuesday, February 8.

Newcastle United: Darlow (Gillespie 48), Trippier (c) (Lascelles 36), Schar (Shelvey 36), Clark, Manquillo, Hendrick, Willock (Sean Longstaff 62), Sean Longstaff (Matty Longstaff 36), Murphy, Saint-Maximin (Fraser 36), Gayle. Sub not used: Woodman.