Matt Ritchie lifts the lid on his anger after being banned for game with Cardiff City
Matt Ritchie of Newcastle United (11) receives a yellow card from Referee Chris Kavanagh during the Sky Bet Championship Match between Preston North End and Newcastle United at Deepdale on October 29, 2016 in Preston, England
Matt Ritchie admits he is still furious that he has to sit out of Newcastle United’s next game against Cardiff City due to suspension.
The Scotland international picked up his fifth yellow card of the campaign against Preston North End to earn him a one-match ban.
Ritchie has shown that he is a wholehearted player so far and it is little surprise that Newcastle fans have taken so well to him.
Talking about the prospect of sitting in the stands this weekend, Ritchie - who hooks up with Scotland for international duty after the game - told the Chronicle: “I’m still fuming, to be honest. A couple of my yellow cards have been silly.
“I didn’t think the one on Saturday was a yellow card, sometimes they’re given, sometimes they are not. But I’m sure the lads will put in a good performance.
“We’ve worked hard this week. It’s a massive game and we need to make sure we continue the run that we’re on.
“As long as the mentality stays the same, I think we’ll be fine.”
Yet he isn’t looking forward to playing the role of spectator for the visits of the Bluebirds.
He added: “I kick every ball, to be honest. When I watch games at home, I struggle to watch as I want to play. I’m not the best spectator.
“But when I was ill the other week, I came and watched the Brentford game. I thoroughly enjoyed it. We got two early goals, and I sat back in my seat and enjoyed the rest.
“I’m disappointed not to be involved, but I’m sure the lads will be raring to go and organised as ever. Hopefully, we’ll get the job done.”
Ritchie’s experience helped carve out a 2-1 win at Preston to keep Newcastle’s promotion bid firmly on track.
The winger, who has made 14 appearances so far, said: “The pleasing thing for us involved is that we’re winning in all different ways.
“We played great football, easy on the eye, here at home against Preston.
“We knew it was going to be a difficult game, but we dug in and the spirit was fantastic.
“I think those sort of games really give you belief and strength and a platform to build on.
“It gives you a good feeling in the dressing room.”
Ritchie and his team-mates turned out in force for NUFC Foundation’s annual awards night at St James’ Park on Tuesday night.
The former AFC Bournemouth star said: “The club wouldn’t be the big club it is without the fans’ support, and the fans were a massive attraction to me when I signed.
“It’s good that the Foundation is set up to give something back.
“It’s good for the lads to come and give up their time. As everyone knows, the schedule’s busy with a lot of games, but this fell on a night where we could attend and it’s good to support the community as they support us.”
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