Jamaal Lascelles red-carded as Newcastle United are hammered by Championship Middlesbrough

Bruce fielded what was described as an ‘experimental side’ in the friendly defeat on Teesside, which took place at Boro’s Rockliffe Park.

Britt Assombalonga scored twice for Neil Warnock’s men before Marcus Tavernier added a third. Allan Saint-Maximin reduced the deficit just before the break.

Lascelles and Boro midfielder Lewis Wing were then dismissed for what was described by the club report as “a bit of an off the ball confrontation that led to both sides being reduced to ten”.

Grant Hall and Ste Walker netted four and five for the hosts, who will travel to United’s training base at Benton on Monday to do it all again. In the meantime, the Magpies take on Stoke City in another behind-closed-doors friendly at St James’s Park on Saturday.