Reece James told Newcastle assistant manager Jason Tindall to 'sit down' during Chelsea's game against the Magpies at St James's Park.
The Blues captain was once again in the starting XI as he returns to full fitness following a lengthy injury spell and played a vital role for his side in the match, though he didn't last the game.
Just before half time he clashed with Tindall, who has made headlines in recent times for his prominent role on a match day as assistant manager.
Newcastle midfielder Joelinton was booked by referee Simon Hooper before the break for an arm in the face of James, who expressed his frustrations and appeared to call for a harsher punishment.
Tindall took exception to James's reaction protests, and the pair exchanged words on the sidelines, with James ordering the 46-year-old to return to his seat in response.
Reece James and Jason Tindall clashed during Newcastle's game against Chelsea on Saturday
Tindall took exception to James's reaction to a foul from Joelinton just before half time
Mail Sport has launched a campaign to stop the abuse of referees at all levels of the game
It was Tindall who had the last laugh in the game, with Newcastle scoring two goals in two minutes on the hour through Jamal Lascelles and Joelinton himself.
Anthony Gordon then added a fourth with a few minutes remaining.
James, meanwhile, was sent off later on in the game for two yellow cards, with the first for kicking the ball away and the second a trip.
He will now miss his side's game against Brighton next weekend as the Blues suffered a near certain defeat at the hands of Howe and Tindall's side.
The Magpies, meanwhile, were comfortable overall and had a two-goal lead before James was given his marching orders, much to the delight of the home supporters.
Joelinton (left) scored later in the game to put his side 3-1 up after Jamal Lascelles had made it 2-1 to the hosts
Newcastle had gone ahead through Aleksandar Isak before an impressive Raheem Sterling free kick squared things back up in the north east.
Chelsea may have sensed an opportunity to get one over on Newcastle and close the gap to their opponents in the league table to a singular point with Eddie Howe's side dealing with a number of injuries.
But it didn't materialise, and Newcastle were eventually comfortable to get back to winning ways following defeat at Bournemouth before the international break.
Newcastle will take on Manchester United at home again next weekend as the busy Christmas period gets underway in the Premier League.