Stoke City striker Michael Owen described Fabricio Coloccini’s red card against Liverpool as a “laughable” decision.

The Newcastle defender was sent off late on for a clumsy challenge on Luis Suarez as the Premier League duo recorded a 1-1 draw at Anfield.

The Argentine’s dismissal altered the tide of the game, forcing Alan Pardew’s side to defend ferociously in the closing moments of the tie.

Former Geordie favourite Owen took to Twitter after the game to vent his frustration at the decision:

"Not having that at all. (Coloccini) didn't touch him and to say there was intent is laughable." the 32-year-old wrote on his personal account.

"Let me tell you, he kicks a moving ball a thousand times a day and doesn't miss it once.

“If he wanted to connect with a standing leg then he wouldn't have missed.

"He pulls out at the last minute and doesn't touch him. Not having that's a red at all."

Pardew was also aggravated by his man’s dismissal, openly taking up the issue with referee Anthony Taylor and his fellow match-day officials following the final whistle.

Yohan Cabaye’s stunning strike, which came against the run of play, gave the North East club the advantage on the stroke of half-time.

Liverpool’s dominance eventually paid off in the second period as Suarez rounded Tim Krul to put the ball in an empty net.