Exclusive: Carlos Baleba ‘could easily have been sent off’ in Newcastle incident
Brighton star Carlos Baleba could “easily” have been given a second yellow card after a foul on Newcastle star Tino Livramento, Keith Hackett has claimed.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that referee Anthony Taylor used “common sense” in his decision not to dismiss the Brighton star.
This was despite calls from Newcastle players and the St James’ Park crowd for the 21-year-old to receive a red card after a blatant foul to prevent a counter attack.
The rest of the game saw both sides struggle to take control in an end-to-end clash which could have gone either way, before Eddie Howe’s side were defeated 2-1 in extra time.
First-half goals from Alexander Isak and Yankuba Minteh were the only normal-time strikes, but Brighton’s Danny Welbeck prevented the game from going to penalties with his late goal to win it.
Carlos Baleba decision sparks debate as Brighton win v Newcastle
In a game shrouded by controversy which saw both Anthony Gordon and Tariq Lamptey sent off, the decision not to dismiss Baleba has been a huge talking point.
As Livramento skipped past him to kickstart a Newcastle attack, he was dragged back by the Brighton man, who had no intention of winning the ball.
This would usually result in a yellow card, and Joelinton had been booked for a similar foul earlier in the game, leading to questions about the consistency of Taylor’s decision-making.
Many suggested that if the midfielder had not already been on a booking, he would have received one for the challenge, further adding to the controversy.
However, Hackett has explained that part of the referee’s job is to manage the game, and it was on him to take charge and make a firm decision despite the uproar from the crowd.
Keith Hackett backs Anthony Taylor after Brighton controversy
Hackett explained that Taylor’s display of common sense should be supported despite the frustrations surrounding what could have been a critical decision in the FA Cup fifth round tie.
“Carlos Baleba was already on a yellow card,” he told Football Insider.
“He committed an offence right under the nose of Anthony Taylor, and Taylor could quite easily have given a second yellow which would have meant the dismissal of Baleba.
“It’s good to see Taylor taking charge of the game and using a bit of common sense.
“That’s what he did, and I support him for that. Well done.“
Brighton’s next game comes on 8 February when they host Fulham at the Amex – a game Baleba would have missed should he have been sent off v Newcastle.
With just one point separating the two sides in the Premier League, a win could be crucial to either team’s hopes of securing European qualification ahead of next season.
Baleba, meanwhile, has attracted interest from Liverpool and will be hopeful of continuing what has been an impressive season under Fabian Hurzeler so far.
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