Ex-refs chief ‘amazed’ at controversial decision made during Bournemouth vs Newcastle
Newcastle may have benefitted from a controversial decision made by referee Rob Jones during their goalless draw at Bournemouth.
Eddie Howe left Bruno Guimaraes on the bench as he made seven changes to his Newcastle team beaten by Barcelona in the Champions League.
The contest produced little goal mouth action, though Nick Woltemade wanted a penalty for Newcastle when he was tugged down by Bournemouth defender Bafode Diakite inside the area.
However, whilst the Toon were adamant that was a penalty kick, defender Malick Thiaw may have been lucky to have stayed on the pitch.
Malick Thiaw lucky to escape red on his full Premier League debut
Thiaw stunned Newcastle supporters off the bench against Barcelona, and the 24-year-old summer arrival from AC Milan was rewarded with a first start for the club at Bournemouth.
With just ten minutes to go at the Vitality Stadium, Thiaw clattered into Ryan Chrisitie who was looking to advance into the penalty area.
Already on a yellow card, the Bournemouth players and fans were appealing for the German defender to be sent off.
Whilst he would not have been on one on with goalkeeper Nick Pope, with two defenders covering, Christie certainty looked like he would have gotten into the penalty area and could have got a clear shot away on goal.
Former PGMOL chief delivers Thiaw verdict
Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett believes Thiaw was a lucky player to not be shown a second yellow card, and he was surprised the referee did not take action.
“Amazed that Rob Jones failed to issue a second yellow for this clear reckless challenge, Hackett said.
“He has built a reputation of leaning towards a strict application of law. So all the more surprising that a second yellow was not forthcoming.”
Just four minutes after the incident, Howe substituted Thiaw off the pitch in place of Jamall Lascelles, perhaps an acceptance that he should have been sent off.
Thiaw will therefore be available for the visit of Arsenal next in the Premier League.