'This was no accident' - Ex-refs chief: Calvert-Lewin deserved 'red card' vs Newcastle

Dominic Calvert-Lewin was fortunate not to receive his marching orders during Leeds United's win over Newcastle United.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that his clash with Sven Botman was "no accident".

The 29-year-old already had an assist to his name when he picked up a yellow card for an elbow on Newcastle's No.4 in the middle of the park.

Calvert-Lewin will argue that he was simply battling for an aerial duel, but he clearly used too much force, as Michael Salisbury cautioned the striker.

However, Coventry City fans, especially, have suggested that he should have received a straight red card after Taiwo Awoniyi received the same on Sunday, 13 September.

Instead, the former Everton man was allowed to stay on the pitch, grabbing the Whites' third goal on the stroke of half-time, and putting the game completely out of Newcastle's reach.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin incident was 'borderline'

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett believes that Calvert-Lewin can count himself lucky not to have been sent off against Newcastle.

"This was no accident, and he is lucky not to receive a red card for this challenge.

"The referee judged it as 'reckless' and not 'violent conduct'. It was borderline and the player got the benefit of the doubt."

Calvert-Lewin has only received one red card in his senior career, and that was appealed against and overturned following a clash with Crystal Palace in 2024.

He made a key impact in the final third following the yellow card, and some at St James' Park will believe that the officials made a mistake in the first half.

Leeds United star matches legendary figure

Calvert-Lewin has continued his form from the 2025-26 campaign, when he notched 15 goals and an assist in 39 appearances.

Already, he has three goals and one assist in six appearances this term, and these figures have seen him match the legendary Mark Viduka.

Opta have revealed that the centre-forward has become the second-ever Leeds player, the only other being Viduka, to score in five consecutive Premier League games at Elland Road.

The Whites' move for him on a free transfer has quickly become a masterstroke, and one that the behind-the-scenes figures deserve a lot of praise for.