"I'm not the type of player" - Kieran Trippier addresses red card controversy after challenge on Kevin De Bruyne

Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier has commented on his tackle on Kevin De Bruyne, which was a point of controversy in the match, as the offence was originally deemed as a red card.

On Sunday, Manchester City faced their biggest challenge yet, as the team visited St James’ Park to take on Newcastle United, and had to settle for a point. 

Despite trailing the Blues five minutes in after Ilkay Gundogan slotted the ball into the left side of the netting, the Magpies bounced back from an early deficit to lead the reigning champions 2-1 at half-time.

Allan Saint-Maximin, Miguel Almiron and Callum Wilson proved to be the biggest issues for the Cityzens throughout the first-half, scoring goals within 11 minutes of each other as the first-half came to a close.

Kieran Trippier scored a sublime free-kick in the 54th minute, as a result of a poor tackle by John Stones, to extend Eddie Howe’s side's lead. 

However the Sky Blues wouldn’t stay down for long, as Erling Haaland tapped a ball from Rodri into the back of the net, and Bernardo Silva scored moments later to equalise.

Kevin De Bruyne proved to be at the core of the Blues offensive once again, as he helped create shot after shot, ending the game with another assist.

During one of Manchester City’s fast breaks late in the second-half, De Bruyne received the ball and was running past the halfway line when Trippier delivered a cynical late tackle on the Belgian midfielder. 

In the moments following the tackle, Jarred Gillett administered a red card, but it would be short lived as after a brief VAR review, Trippier’s offence was downgraded to a yellow card.

City were unable to score a fourth goal, and had to settle for a point, as their perfect start to the season came to an abrupt end.

After the game, Trippier explained to Dominic Scurr that he would do anything for the three points, but hurting other players is not included in that, as the Newcastle captain's tackle triggered an intense debate. 

"I would sacrifice everything for my team and I want to win but I'm not the type of player to injure anyone,” said Trippier.

The 31-year-old’s booking would be the penultimate yellow card in what was a rather physical game, with six players getting booked.

The fiery clash on Tyneside was the latest entertaining clash between the two teams, with Ferran Torres having memorably scored a hat-trick in a 4-3 win two years ago.

City will look to return to winning ways away Crystal Palace next weekend, though first face Barcelona in a friendly at the Nou Camp on Wednesday.

De Bruyne thankfully escaped Trippier's ill-timed tackle unscathed, though Pep Guardiola is sweating on the fitness of Nathan Ake, who was forced off midway through the first-half due to a groin problem.