Newcastle midfielder Matt Ritchie admits he was lucky to escape a red card for a “ Sadio Mane ” style challenge on Swansea’s Alfie Mawson.

Ritchie raised his boot and made contact with Mawson’s head, but only received a yellow card by referee Mike Jones.

The same cannot be said for Liverpool star Mane following his clash with Ederson when his high challenge caught the Manchester City goalkeeper in the jaw and was dismissed for serious foul play and endangering an opponent.

Ritchie admitted after the 1-0 win over Swansea that he was 'lucky' to stay on the field and was relieved to only pick up a yellow card.

The high foot of Ritchie has been compared to Mane's (
Image:
Sky Sports)
The difference with Mane is that he didn't get Mawson in the face (
Image:
Sky Sports)
Matt Ritchie and Jamaal Lascelles appeal to referee Mike Jones (
Image:
Action Images via Reuters)
Sadio Mane was sent off for this shocking challenge (
Image:
AFP)

Ritchie said: “I had my eye on the ball but Mawson came lower than Ederson.

"I was delighted to see only a yellow card. I looked to the referee and I was lucky.”

Issues are already being raised about refereeing consistency just a month into the season with Manchester United legend Gary Neville arguing that Mane should have also stayed on the field and his challenge was accidental.