Rafa Benitez says Jonjo Shelvey has apologised for stamping on Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli which lead to him being sent off in Sunday's clash with Spurs.

The Magpies captain was given his marching orders just four minutes after half time as he landed his studs on Alli's ankle while he laid on the ground. At that point, the match was still tied at 0-0, but Spurs would take advantage of the personnel differential and won the match 2-0.

"What I would say is that he [Shelvey] made a mistake. Still I would like to see if it's more dangerous this situation or the tackle from behind [Kane on Lejeune]," said the Newcastle boss.

"But it's no excuses. He made a mistake and that's it. He knows he's made a mistake and he's apologised but it can't change anything now."