JAMAAL LASCELLES and Isaac Hayden had to be separated by Newcastle staff after a furious bust-up, according to reports.
The team-mates – who both played the full 90 minutes – are understood to have gone head to head in the tunnel area following Sunday’s 3-2 defeat to Tottenham.
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According to the Daily Mail, a shoving match unfolded as the club captain, 27, and ex-Arsenal midfielder, 26, made their way back to the dressing room.
And it needed backroom staff members to jump in and cool things down.
The incident comes a month after a number of Newcastle’s Under-23s players were involved in a huge bar brawl which left some with facial injuries.
The report also adds that some players displayed frustration at Steve Bruce’s tactics in the dressing room.
Bruce’s job continues to hang by a thread with the new owners expected to wield the axe imminently.
The manager himself asked for ‘clarity’ from his bosses but a number of players are said to be desperate for change before next weekend’s clash with Crystal Palace.
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Many thought Bruce would be sacked before his 1,000th match against Spurs – but he was kept in the post for the game.
However, following an initial buzz around St James’ Park on Sunday, resentment towards the current gaffer bubbled up again in the second half.
The board still plan to get Bruce out shortly – but need to follow the right procedures and have the decision signed off by the Public Investment Fund majority shareholders.
A three-man shortlist has been written up by Newcastle to replace the 60-year-old.
Villarreal’s ex-Arsenal boss Unai Emery is top of the pile, with Steven Gerrard and Roberto Martinez also in the frame.
But it is not just the manager at risk of the chop.
There will no doubt be an overhaul of the playing squad, too.
SunSport reckons Sunday troublemaker Lascelles and the red-carded Jonjo Shelvey may well be sold.
Matt Ritchie and £40million flop signing Joelinton will also struggle to convince the new manager they can be part of the plans.
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