Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney has joked about the reasons behind goalkeeper Sergio Rico leaving Alfie Mawson on the ground after thumping him during the 0-0 draw at Newcastle.

Mawson was left flat out on the pitch and needing lengthy treatment to check he didn't have concussion.

The right hook to the cheekbone was so badly time it has left Fulham players speculating as to why Mawson was decked!

Cairney joked, “Sergio said he owed him money from the Christmas do so he was waiting for it a little bit!

It was a double hand punch as well. I heard Alfie calling for it early so I think Sergio just wanted to do it!"

Hard lad Mawson insisted: "It's fine, it's fine, it's fine.

"The staff were worrying and I understand that, but looking back it was quite funny to be honest. I couldn't afford to be up in the air and pull away.

"If Sergio had done the same then we would have been in trouble. It is what it is. It's sore but there you go, you just carry on."