Smith: I had to do it

14 September 2009 10:46
Newcastle captain Alan Smith admitted he took one for the team after he was sent off in the latter stages of the 1-0 win at Cardiff. Smith was shown the red card for a second booking after bringing down City striker Jay Bothroyd on the edge of the penalty area. He told the club`s official website: "I think I had to take it for the team. If he [Bothroyd] got there I think he was going to score. I just slid in to try to get the ball but unfortunately got the man first. "It`s one of those things and you have to take it - although I didn`t think the first one was a booking and I was disappointed with that. "But we got the three points and that`s what we came for so we`re happy."

Source: Eurosport