Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew is demanding action against Manchester United striker Robin van Persie after yesterday's defeat. United ran out 3-0 winners on Tyneside after getting off to a flying start, but in a game marred by eight bookings, Pardew was left fuming by a late off-the-ball clash between the Dutchman and France international Yohan Cabaye which went unseen by referee Howard Webb.

He said: "He has looked at Yohan and he has elbowed him, and I think that perhaps needs to be looked at, if I am honest.

"There's a bit of history from last year and I don't know if Robin has been caught up in that, but that was just a little bit unsavoury.

"I actually thought Yohan wouldn't have gone down if he hadn't done something.

"I didn't see it myself, but I have obviously seen it on the replay and it looks like he has looked at him and put his elbow there."