Newcastle midfielder Jonjo Shelvey admits he is seeing psychologist to help with disciplinary issues
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Jonjo Shelvey has admitted that he is seeing a psychologist to help him cope with his disciplinary problems.
The Newcastle midfielder was sent off during the opening day of the Premier League season after standing on Dele Alli's ankle in an act of petulance during the loss to Tottenham.
Shelvey, who was captaining the Magpies, will now miss the next three matches.
Former England international Shelvey, 25, has revealed that he has been seeing a psychologist since he was shown red at Nottingham Forest last season.
Shelvey was dismissed for an off-the-ball clash with Henri Lansbury.
(Image: REUTERS)
(Image: REUTERS)
He was also banned for five matches later in the season after details emerged of a foul-mouthed rant during a game against Wolves.
Speaking to the Daily Mail before the Spurs incident, Shelvey said: "Look, sometimes I just need to reign in it in on the football pitch. I need to just shut up and stuff. I need to not get involved and walk away.
"I started to see a psychologist last year to work on the mental side of things. It was after the Forest game. I was sent off.
"I had kicked out at this lad and it was just childish."
Shelvey was slammed by commentators and pundits for his actions on Sunday.
(Image: CameraSport via Getty)
(Image: AFP)
Rafa Benitez also revealed following the game that he was considering stripping him of the captaincy.
Benitez said: “We will see in the future. It is too early. He knows he has made a mistake and he apologised in the dressing room."
Sky pundit Graeme Souness, the former Newcastle boss, said Shelvey was to blame for the defeat as it was goalless when he saw red.
Souness said: “He's gone from captain to clown in the space of ten seconds.”