Exclusive: Ex-FIFA ref slams Joelinton for ‘reckless’ moment in Arsenal contest
Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton should have received greater punishment for a ‘reckless’ challenge on Max Dowman during Arsenal’s 3-2 victory over the Toon, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that Joelinton’s arm into the face of Dowman should have resulted in a yellow card during the second half of the pre-season encounter.
The on-field referee gave a free-kick to Arsenal for the incident, but decided against any further punishment for the Newcastle star.
Dowman impressed off the bench and later earned the penalty for the Gunners, following another challenge on him from Joelinton, which captain Martin Odegaard converted to win the match.
Arsenal edge out rivals in five goal friendly
Anthony Elanga had put Newcastle ahead in the contest after just five minutes when his shot wrong-footed goalkeeper David Raya.
The Gunners had a couple of nervy defensive moments, but they equalised mid-way through the half thanks to a precise finish from midfielder Mikel Merino.
Merino had started the move by winning the ball back in the middle of the park before he got on the end of Kai Havertz’s neat flick and placed a finish past the reach of Nick Pope.
Alex Murphy gifted Arsenal a second by netting high into his own net from a Havertz cross under no pressure.
Newcastle responded in the second half with Jacob Murphy’s drive beating David Raya despite the goalkeeper getting finger tips to the ball.
Joelinton and Dowman then clashed just minutes after the 15-year-old had replaced Bukayo Saka, before he won a penalty off the Brazilian with just seven minutes remaining.
Joelinton should have seen yellow
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the referee said: “This was not the correct decision. Joelinton’s challenge was reckless and should have resulted in a yellow card.
“Referees when officiating at these overseas tournaments must apply the law correctly.”
Newcastle will continue their pre-season tour with a match against a K-league XI, before facing Premier League rivals Tottenham.
Arsenal will face Spurs next in Hong Kong to conclude their pre-season tour.
The Gunners have welcomed new striker Viktor Gyokeres to the squad, and he was seen supporting the team at the Newcastle match.
Meanwhile, Newcastle could be set to lose their star striker with Alexander Isak currently not involved in any pre-season fixtures as the 25-year-old wants to explore a move away from St James’ Park.