Watch the 'absolutely disgraceful' decision that saw ex-Sunderland youngster John Egan sent-off at Newcastle United

The defender received two yellow cards during the clash at St James's Park, and was dismissed following a tangle with Newcastle striker Joelinton – moments before Allan Saint-Maximin gave the hosts the lead.

You can watch the incident, which some Sheffield United supporters described as ‘absolutely disgraceful’ below.

And here’s how fans of the Blades, Newcastle and Sunderland reacted on social media:

@md_14uk said: “Egan will be fuming there. Soft yellow in the first half and then booked for fouling the only forward in the league you could just let go!”

@1892killer added: “Correct decision, providing you don’t use the “denying a goal scoring opportunity” line”

@MJacko1989 asked: “How’s he been sent off there? It can’t be a goal scoring opportunity as it was joelinton in on goal?”

@doyleryan9 joked: “John Egan had two yellow cards all season. He’s been handed two against Joelinton. Big Joe has mugged him!”

@SouthStand1889, a Sheffield United fan, tweeted: “What a shock we get done by disgraceful refereeing yet again. Never a booking in the first half. It’s beyond a joke”

@s24su, a fellow Blade, added: “First yellow was very harsh, second is understandable, leaves us looking very different at the back in conjunction with JOC”

@Blades_Mad commented: “First yellow was very harsh, second is understandable, leaves us looking very different at the back in conjunction with JOC”