RAFAEL BENITEZ admits Isaac Hayden’s personal situation could have been a factor in his dismissal in Newcastle United’s goalless draw at Cardiff City.

Hayden was shown a straight red card after coming off the substitutes’ bench for the second half at the Cardiff City Stadium, with referee Craig Pawson punishing him for a tackle from behind on Victor Camarasa.

Hayden submitted a transfer request at the start of the summer, requesting a move away from St James’ Park so he can be closer to his partner and young child, who have relocated to the South-West.

His request was denied though, with Benitez repeating yesterday that he will not be allowed to leave on loan before the end of the month, and the Newcastle boss admits the situation could have been a factor in the midfielder’s recklessness this afternoon.

Benitez said: “It's difficult to say (if his personal issues affected him). It is not his position, but his tackle was unnecessary. Hopefully he will learn for the future and will be a better player for it.”

Newcastle were forced to settle for a point after Kenedy failed to convert a stoppage-time penalty awarded after Sean Morrison handled Yoshinori Muto’s cross.

Neil Etheridge saved Kenedy’s weak spot-kick, with the Brazilian stepping up to take the penalty despite a dreadful afternoon that saw him fail to complete a single pass in the opening 45 minutes.

Benitez said: “(Matt) Ritchie is the first taker (but had already been substituted). It was not really my decision. Kenedy is the second in line. He is a good penalty taker, but the penalty was poor.”

Cardiff’s physical approach caused Newcastle problems, and while the Magpies defended resolutely to keep their first clean sheet of the season, they struggled to carve out opportunities in the final third.

Benitez said: “It was a strange game. We knew it would be physical and difficult, and it was. We put ourselves under pressure with some mistakes.

“After, there were many things I did not like too much. The positive was we got a point, but the three points were there for us, so I'm disappointed.

“They were dangerous because they have big lads, but we were doing okay. We missed the final pass on counter-attacks, and we needed to take our first-half chances. We missed a bit of control, and then we missed the penalty which was the key.

“We had to try to get three points, as we have to do in every game. Cardiff could be close to us so it's important to do well.

“We had problems in the right-full-back position. (Javier) Manquillo was injured, then Hayden got sent off - and they have wingers with pace and ability. We have to manage the situation, but they did well.”