Credit: ViaPlay / Ipswich Town YouTube

Keith Hackett

Sat 26 April 2025 18:00, UK

Ben Johnson deserved to be sent off for a second bookable offence during Ipswich Town’s 3-0 defeat to Newcastle United, according to Keith Hackett.

The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the defender’s pull-back on Alexander Isak was an act of “unsporting behaviour” and warranted another yellow card.

With the Tractor Boys still in the game at St James’ Park on Saturday, 26 April, Johnson was cautioned for diving after appearing to make minimal, if any, contact with the leg of Dan Burn outside the penalty area.

Michael Salisbury was quick to issue the free-kick in Newcastle’s favour, but it was not the only contentious moment as Hackett slammed an inexperienced VAR official for a penalty decision.

Isak, who has been linked with Liverpool, slotted the spot-kick away, only making matters worse after Ipswich’s full-back was sent off.

Ben Johnson sees red as Newcastle United beat Ipswich Town

With Isak skipping past the defender, he wrapped his arms around the 25-goal striker in an attempt to stop him from crossing the ball, only to see himself given an early bath.

While the Magpies did not benefit directly from the incident, goals from Isak, Dan Burn and William Osula helped Eddie Howe’s side to seal all three points and take one step closer to Champions League qualification.

Ipswich Town defender deserved sending-off after Alexander Isak challenge

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the sending-off, the former referee said:

“This is an act of unsporting behaviour, stopping a promising attack and a yellow card offence.

“This player, already on a yellow card, deserves to be dismissed.”

With the victory, Newcastle have moved back up to third in the Premier League table, two points above fifth-place Chelsea and sixth-place Nottingham Forest, and it also sealed Ipswich’s relegation.