Griffin punch deals Magpies a blow

By Mark Buckingham

Sir Bobby Robson has revealed a moment of madness is likely to have cost Andy Griffin a Newcastle United recall.

The full back was on standby to feature in Saturday's Premiership trip to Wolves after returning to fitness following a hamstring injury.

But Griffin could miss out on the trek to Molineux after being sent off for the reserves in midweek as he honed his match sharpness.

Griffin was red carded after trading punches with Aston Villa's Mark Kinsella during the second string encounter on Tuesday.

Magpies boss Robson has already punished the 24-year-old and admits Griffin has not helped his case for a return to the first team picture.

"This is an internal matter which I'll deal with professionally," said Robson.

"Andy had been out for a month through injury and he could not even finish the match on Tuesday.

"We played him against Aston Villa with the view we might give him a go at Wolves as an alternative to Aaron Hughes.

"But he goes and gets sent off and also cops a three-match ban.

"I am not happy when any players decide they want to be boxers rather than footballers."

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