‘Referees are failing’ - Ex-refs chief frustrated with missed decision on Bruno Guimaraes vs Barcelona

Bruno Guimaraes was fouled by Gerard Martin in what was a dangerous tackle which only received a yellow card instead of a possible red.

Former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official Keith Hackett exclusively told Football Insider his thoughts on what he deemed to be a poor bit officiating in Newcastle United's 2-1 defeat to Barcelona.

Despite Nick Woltemade being tipped as the Champions League game-changer for Newcastle, the German was rooted to the bench.

Football Insider predicted Barcelona's Marcus Rashford would be Newcastle's main concern as the Englishman bagged a brace to clinch victory for the Blaugrana.

Barcelona managed to beat Newcastle without Lamine Yamal, which was a huge blow before the game, but proved to be nothing but a blip as the ex-Man United man rose to the occasion in his absence.

Gerard Martin makes reckless challenge on Bruno Guimaraes

In the first half with the tie still in the balance, the marauding centre-midfielder Guimaraes picked up the ball for the Magpies as he tried to get out of a tough spot.

The Brazilian was hounded by left-back Martin who pursued the South American in an attempt to win the ball back for the away side.

However, in the process, he caught the number 39 which gave the referee no choice but to brandish a yellow card.

Further replays showed that the young Spaniard when extremely high with his left foot, catching Guimaraes on the calf and endangering the player in the process.

Keith Hackett slams poor officiating in Newcastle vs Barcelona

The incident happened just before the half-time mark with the 23-year-old dodging a straight red in a crunch European tie.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former referee Hackett was confused by the officials final decision as he felt the challenge was deserving of a greater punishment.

Upset with the missed opportunity, he said: "It is difficult to understand why referees are failing to detect and sanction this type of Serious Foul play challenge.

"It is committed with excessive force and endangers the safety of his opponent. A red card sanction should have been issued."