Newcastle United ace Joelinton was lucky not to at least have been booked during his side’s win over Southampton, Keith Hackett has said.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee exclusively told Football Insider that VAR may even have deemed the midfielder’s challenge on Paul Onuachu to have been worthy of a red card.
The Magpies came won 3-1 at St Mary’s on Saturday (25 January) thanks to a brace from Alexander Isak – the second set-up by Jacob Murphy in stunning style – and a goal from Sandro Tonali.
Things though, could have been harder than they were for Newcastle in that win, had the officials taken a different view on an incident involving Joelinton.
Newcastle could have gone down to ten men at Southampton
Not for the first time in recent weeks, Joelinton came in for scrutiny for a challenge he made during his side’s win at Southampton.
At one point during the match, the Newcastle midfielder found himself chasing a ball that had run loose after he was challenged.
As he attempted to win possession, Joelinton produced a challenge that failed to get anywhere the ball, but did see his studs land on the ankle of Onuachu.
The Brazilian was not punished with a card by referee Sam Barrott, although Hackett believes the challenge was worthy of a yellow card, and that VAR may even have deemed it to be worthy of a red.
When asked if this challenge should have led to Newcastle going down to ten men, the former referee told Football Insider:
“I think it’s reckless and therefore he should get a minimum yellow card. No question. It’s been missed and VAR can’t come in, because it’s a yellow card offence rather than a red.
“But again, VAR could actually say ‘I think that’s red’ and gets the referee involved. But it’s a yellow card offence, no question.”
Following that win, Newcastle now sit fifth in the Premier League, as they look to secure a return to European football this season.
Southampton meanwhile remain rooted to the foot of the table and look destined for an immediate return to the Championship
Leave a Reply