Joelinton ‘lucky to escape sanction’ for reckless moment for Newcastle vs Liverpool
Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton was fortunate to escape punishment before Anthony Gordon was sent off in their 3-2 defeat to Liverpool according to a PGMOL insider.
Gordon was handed a red card following a lunging challenge on Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk just before half-time.
Ryan Gravenberch’s low strike had put Liverpool ahead after the Reds had withstood an energetic start from the hosts.
The contest was intensified by the Alexander Isak saga and Liverpool wanting to sign the outcast Newcastle striker despite the Toon stating he is not for sale.
Joelinton sets tone for frantic encounter
The intensity of the contest started at a frantic pace and inside the opening minutes Joelinton caught Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo on the head as the pair challenged for the ball.
The challenge from Joelinton warranted a free-kick for Liverpool for a high foot, but the referee Simon Hooper decided against any further action.
Ryan Gravenberch, Ibrahima Konate and Dan Burn all got booked in a feisty first forty five minutes.
The then subsequent sending off of Gordon changed the game, and Hugo Ekitike pounced inside seconds of the second half to double Liverpool’s advantage.
Bruno Guimaraes though was able to halve the deficit with a close-range header, before William Osula leveled the game late on.
However it was Rio Ngumoha who stole the headlines as the 16-year-old grabbed a 100th-minute for the Reds.
Verdict delivered on Joelinton challenge
This article contains exclusive comment from former professional referee Keith Hackett.
Whilst Joelinton did not receive any punishment for his challenge on Gakpo, former referee Keith Hackett believed the offence should have seen the midfielder receive a yellow card.
“Joelinton is fortunate to escape a sanction his high foot was reckless and that in law is a yellow card offence, Hackett said.
“Hooper is a referee who likes to keep his cards in his pocket and gives the player the benefit of any doubt.”