Anthony Elanga was stretchered off in agony during Newcastle's pre-season friendly against Valencia after a disgraceful challenge from Jose Gaya sparked a mass brawl.
Incident at Mestalla
The affair at the Mestalla was anything but friendly as both clubs ramped up their preparations for the new season. The game boiled over when Elanga was caught on the shin by Valencia left-back Jose Gaya.
New Magpies boss Matthias Jaissle sprinted onto the field to shield Elanga before the Swede was carried off in pain. It is understood that the Newcastle star is fine and was moving about the changing room after receiving medical attention.
Red card and melee
After the challenge, Gaya was shown a red card by referee Jose Martinez, and the incident sparked a 25-man melee. Jaissle and his entire backroom team charged onto the pitch as Elanga remained down on the grass. Martinez required merely three seconds to flash the red card at Gaya.
Newcastle were compelled to withdraw Elanga, with Jacob Murphy instantly brought on in his place, while Valencia were forced to continue with ten men. William Osula was among the first to rush to Elanga's aid, and an instant decision was taken to withdraw him from the action.
Impact and aftermatch
The full severity of Elanga's injury remains unknown as he limped off grasping his knee in obvious pain, a major blow for Newcastle given his display during the opening period. Elanga had seen a goal chalked off for a tight offside call in the first half and delivered an outstanding showing before sustaining the knock.
Newcastle then made four additional changes at the interval as Aladji Bamba, Osula, Harvey Barnes and Leo Shahar were all hauled off.
