Haliti's dismissal was the result of two avoidable yellow cards the first for diving and the second for deliberate handball.

The former Kosovo refugee was visibly distraught in the Jets dressing shed after the match and the events were still weighing heavily on his shoulders at yesterday's recovery session on Nobby's Beach.

"In the second half everything happened so quick I didn't do it deliberately it was just one of the things," Haliti said.

"I apologised to the boys after the game and I apologise to the club and the fans.

"It's just one of those things you're going to learn from and I need to be positive and look forward to the rest of the games."

Haliti received his first yellow card in the 48th minute for diving when he fell over in the box after becoming tangled with Mariners defender Shane Huke.

Haliti pleaded for a penalty but referee Ben Williams saw it differently and made him only the third Jet to be carded for simulation.

Vaughan Coveny (twice) and Joel Griffiths once were both booked for diving in the 2006-07 season.

Haliti completed a ignominious rap sheet by receiving his second yellow card for a deliberate handball eight minutes later with the Jets two goals in arrears.

Haliti tapped down a long ball with his hand before poking the ball into the back of the net.

The incident brought about the 24-year-old's first red card in his eight-year professional football career and a spray from his coach Branko Culina as he trudged off the field.

Culina later revealed in the post-match press conference that he told Haliti, "it's a long trip to Newcastle by bus".

But the veteran coach also said there would be no long-term ramifications for Haliti.

"He's a smart enough and experienced enough player to know he did the wrong thing by himself and by the team," Culina said.