Newcastle legend destroys ‘nasty’ Chelsea player live on air after what he saw at St James’ Park
Alejandro Garnacho has endured a difficult start to his Chelsea career since his much-talked-about move from Man United during the summer.
A brace against Cardiff City in midweek took his tally to four in 18 games this season, but he has struggled to maintain performances and minutes so far.
Garnacho started the game as Chelsea drew 2-2 with Newcastle at St James’ Park, in a game that was marred by a number of questionable decisions from the referee.
Following the game, Howe was left raging at referee Andy Madley after a number of questionable decisions, including when Anthony Gordon was denied a penalty.
However, it was an incident involving Garnacho which inspired the most outrage.
Alejandro Garnacho should have been sent off vs Newcastle
Garnacho’s first-half challenge on Jacob Ramsey became one of the biggest talking points following the full-time whistle as replays were closely analysed.
The winger was late into the challenge, was nowhere near the ball, and raked his studs down the Magpies midfielder’s shin, but VAR chose not to intervene.
Ex-Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given highlighted the incident speaking live on Match of the Day [20 November], the as he explained: “There were a few decisions the referee had to make, and a few tough ones, don’t get me wrong.
“The first one comes in the first half, and I think this is a really nasty challenge from Garnacho.
“If you watch it slowly, he doesn’t make any attempt to play the ball, he goes over the top of the ball and clearly high up on Ramsey’s shin.
“VAR didn’t intervene, but I think that’s a really dangerous challenge from Garnacho and he gets away with that one.”
This comes after former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett told Football Insider that Garnacho should have been sent off vs Newcastle and was lucky to get away with one.
The ex-FIFA official claimed challenges like that one put the opponent in danger of an injury, warning that failure to clamp down could lead to further blows.
Newcastle show vs Chelsea highlights Eddie Howe weakness
Despite the overall frustrations surrounding the referee’s performance, Newcastle’s weakness was on display again as they threw away a two-goal lead.
Sections of the Newcastle fans have called for Howe’s sacking as a result, with fingers pointed at the manager for their disappointing collapse.
This is not the first time he has been under pressure this season, as Mick Brown told Football Insider in October that Newcastle are asking questions of Howe.
The former Man United scout explained that Newcastle’s disappointing league displays have led to questions about the manager’s long-term future.
Meanwhile, Theo Walcott suggested Newcastle could move on from Howe, with his management of a bigger squad set to be tested while expectations continue to rise.
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