When Andy Carroll trudged down the tunnel and whipped his shirt off, it was a metaphor for his Liverpool career. The shirt has never fit the £35m man, and will it ever?
He had actually started the game well. Right foot, left foot, his distribution was excellent and he was making Newcastle's centre-backs James Perch and Mike Williamson very uncomfortable.
Then, after some great solo work, he rounded Tim Krol and, with the goal gaping, dived. He should have been awarded a penalty for some shameless tugging earlier, but his comical fall at the Sports Direct Arena has ensured career-long notoriety.
It initiated the public humiliation. Already booed whenever he touched the ball, like Liverpool, everything after the first 20 minutes developed into an ignominious slideshow consisting of a red card, Steven Gerrard angrily ushering Kenny Dalglish off the pitch and Carroll's own subdued slot.
His substitution was possible, rather than inevitable, but when the number "9" was signalled in the 79th minute, the home support roared almost as loud as they would to greet a goal.
"F*****g joke this, f**k off," he mouthed as he departed the pitch. Frustrated and embarrassed, the 23-year-old wasn't about to tolerate catcalls whilst sheltered under the visitors' bench.
He had already exchanged some colourful language with Toon boss Alan Pardew after his dive, but now it was aimed at his own manager. He's not alone in the list of football fallers though...
Steven Gerrard
Take your pick...
Wayne Rooney
Ditto...
Rivaldo v Turkey, 2002 World Cup
Hakan Ünsal was booked and subsequently picked up his second yellow of the game to earn an early bath. After a video review, Rivaldo was fined 11,670 Swiss Francs by FIFA.
Ashley Cole v Manchester United, 2005
Cole is lucky Roy Keane didn't meet out some actual bodily harm after this cheating act.
Alberto Gilardino v Celtic, 2007 Champions League
Gilardino dives so late at Parkhead he should have been decked out in a White Rabbit costume.
Bryan Carrasco v Ecuador, 2011
Crafty Carrasco was certainly innovative...
Dani Alves and Sergio Busquets
Double trouble.
Arjen Robben v Bochum, 2011
He can't stand up for falling down.