FABRICIO COLOCCINI has thanked Sunderland officials for the way in which they responded to his controversial dismissal in last weekend's Wear-Tyne derby.

Coloccini has outlined the extent of his anger after he was sent off for a foul on Steven Fletcher as Newcastle crashed to a 3-0 defeat at the Stadium of Light.

The defender's dismissal was overturned earlier this week, meaning he is available for this afternoon's home game with Stoke City.

And while the Argentinian insists his anger at last weekend's events has not abated, he has been quick to pay tribute to Sunderland's response in the immediate aftermath of his dismissal.

Writing in the match programme for today's game against the Potters, Coloccini said: "I had to watch the second half from inside the dressing room area, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the people who work at Sunderland, because they treated me very well - giving me a room to watch the game, with food and drink.

"Derby games are very passionate and they did not have to do that for me, but they were good people and I thank them for that."

Nevertheless, Coloccini continues to feel aggrieved at referee Robert Madley's decision to send him off, particularly because Newcastle were the dominant force at the time.

He said: "It is not a surprise to me that the red card was overturned because it was a wrong decision.

"As soon as the referee gave the red card, I knew it was wrong. I spoke with him but he had made his decision.

"I was very angry on the pitch. I am a quiet man but it was a very big injustice in a big game.

"During my career I have had plenty of red cards, and am the first man to put my hands up if I have done wrong. But straight away I knew this red card was not the right decision, and that is why I was very angry as I left the pitch."