Ex-PGMOL chief: Benjamin Sesko escaped sanction for ‘unacceptable’ incident vs Newcastle
Benjamin Sesko was fortunate not to have his name taken during Man United’s victory over Newcastle United at Old Trafford.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that play should have been pulled back for the striker’s “reckless” challenge on Sandro Tonali.
Newcastle also wanted a penalty on Friday, 26 December, with Lisandro Martinez appearing to handle the ball inside the area, which was another moment that the travelling fans felt went against them.
Sesko has struggled since arriving in the Premier League, notching just twice in 15 games, but he was desperate to throw his weight about as the Red Devils secured another home win.
Benjamin Sesko didn’t do enough to earn a red card
Hackett has urged Howard Webb and his referees to stamp down on these types of challenges, with Sesko landing on top of Tonali’s boot with his studs showing.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee explained why no red card was shown by referee Taylor, but admitted that a yellow should have been given.
“The challenge was unacceptable and should have resulted in a yellow card, given that it was reckless,” he said.
“The law states that ‘reckless’ is when a player acts with disregard for the danger or consequences to an opponent and must be cautioned. VAR cannot intervene on a yellow card offence.”
Howard Webb needs to stamp down on dangerous challenges in the Premier League
Speaking previously in the 2025-26 campaign, Hackett believed that Mohamed Salah should have been sent off against Brentford, with a similar incident occurring with Tottenham‘s Pedro Porro.
More and more of these incidents are emerging in the Premier League, presenting as a worrying trend for Hackett, who has urged Webb on several occasions to stamp down on them.
He also believes that Alejandro Garnacho should have seen red vs Newcastle, a second poor decision going against the Magpies in as many matches, leaving Eddie Howe and his team fuming.
Premier League stars are already at serious risk of picking up serious injuries, but with these challenges thrown into the mix, it is at an all-time high.