Benitez defends the actions of divisive Newcastle United star

Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez has played down the reaction of Jonjo Shelvey after the midfielder was substituted during his club’s 1-1 draw with Swansea on Saturday.

After being taken off, the England international appeared to be angry and shook his head as well as refused to shake hands with his manager.

Shelvey who has been largely disappointing this season as well as received two red cards has been linked with a move away from St James Park this month with West Ham reportedly interested in signing him.

It remains to be seen whether the former Liverpool and Swansea midfielder will be sold.

Speaking after the game, Benitez spoke about the reaction of Shelvey and said: “When you are not winning a game like this one, so important, any player has to be disappointed if they do not continue playing. But we have to make the substitutions and that is it. I didn’t have any problems with what he did.”