Newcastle striker Alan Shearer has labelled Thomas Gravesen a coward for his horror tackle on Olivier Bernard during yesterday's 2-1 defeat at Everton.
The foul went unpunished by referee Neale Barry and Everton swept up field, earned a penalty and scored the winning goal.
The result put a serious dent in Newcastle's title hopes but kept Everton in contention for a Champions League place.
Shearer felt Gravesen intended to hurt Bernard and insists the Everton midfielder should have been sent off.
"It was a coward's challenge by Gravesen because Olivier went to win the ball and did win it. Gravesen went in to hurt him and he hurt him badly," Shearer said.
"It is a challenge that could finish a player's career. It should have been a straight red and everyone could see it. For Everton to go up the other end and score a penalty rubbed salt into the wounds."
Newcastle manager Bobby Robson conceded his side's title chances had gone and was also angry about Gravesen's tackle.
Robson said: "The decision in the end cost us the match and has probably cost us any chance we had of the title."
PA