Sporting Life Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is hopeful key midfielder Yohan Cabaye did not suffer any lasting damage after finding himself on the wrong end of an X-rated tackle.

The Frenchman left the pitch on a stretcher after being felled by QPR midfielder Shaun Derry's 20th-minute challenge during Sunday afternoon's 1-0 victory for the Magpies.

Cabaye reacted furiously, although Pardew, who later revealed the injury did not seem as bad as was first feared, admitted that referee Chris Foy - the man who controversially sent off Manchester City's Vincent Kompany seven days ago - had probably got it right in only producing a yellow card.

He said: "It was a strong challenge, but Shaun Derry is a player who makes strong challenges. The referee was right on top of it.

"I thought it was borderline yellow/red, but I think probably it was a yellow. He seemed to get the ball.

"There always controversy about tackling. It's very, very difficult for referees, so I am not going to sit here and criticise that decision.

"But Yohan was upset. He felt it was probably a little bit over-exuberant, but the doc thinks he is going to be okay."