RECORD signing Emerson Thome, who has established himself as the cornerstone of the Sunderland defence, looks like being banned from the derby against Newcastle United on the second Saturday of the season following his shock sending-off in Holland.

The Brazilian centre-half was given his marching orders in the 60th minute for a rash, double-footed challenge as the Wearsiders crashed 4-0 to NAC Breda in their final game of their pre-season programme on Friday.

Sunderland manager Peter Reid was told afterwards that the match official will be reporting the dismissal to the Dutch FA.

It is likely that details will be forwarded to the FA and Thome could receive a three-match suspension if the offence is listed as violent conduct.

Reid said: "I had a word with the referee in his room afterwards and he said he will be reporting the matter to the Dutch FA.

"I expect it will get back to the English FA and it will be up to them what happens next."

Reid, however, refused to criticise the player for his challenge on Kevin Bobson.

He said: "It was a two-footed tackle but the lad continued to play after it and Emerson did win the ball.

"I just thought that, given the fact it was a pre-season friendly, it might have been a little bit harsh to send the lad off."

* New signing Mark Wilson scored as Middlesbrough continued their unbeaten run in pre-season with a 2-0 win over Den Haag in their last game of a two-match tour of Holland.

He scored a great goal on 70 minutes after collecting a pass from Jonathan Greening.

Greening's assist was his second in a Boro shirt having set-up Dean Windass' goal in the 1-0 win over Willem last week.

Ten minutes from time, Mark Hudson capitalised on a poor backpass to complete the scoring.

Boro: (4-3-3) Schwarzer; Stockdale, Ehiogu, Gavin, Gordon; Windass (Mustoe 61), Okon, Wilson; Ricard (Hudson 71), Deane, Greening. Subs not used: Fleming, Cooper, Ince, Job.

Meanwhile, Boro defender Steve Vickers was last night still considering whether to move to Crystal Palace.

Palace manager Steve Bruce had a £500,000 offer for the 33-year-old accepted last week and Vickers did not travel to Holland with the Teesside club.

Bruce admitted: "The fee has been agreed. We just have to convince Steve that this is the club for him."

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