Newcastle United vs Man City ref watch: Three decisions Chris Kavanagh got disastrously wrong
Chris Kavanagh was heavily involved during a feisty affair between Newcastle United and Man City in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
Former head of the PGMOL, Keith Hackett, has been openly critical of Kavanagh throughout the 2025-26 campaign, and both sets of supporters were left frustrated by his performance at St James’ Park.
Antoine Semenyo opened his account against Exeter City in the FA Cup, and he doubled his numbers already, netting the opener, while also having an effort disallowed in the first leg on Tuesday, 13 January.
It would have been 2-0 to the Citizens had Kavanagh not controversially ruled out a second-half second, thought Rayan Cherki would eventually add a second in added time before the second leg.
Joelinton avoids early sanction for heavy challenge
Just a few minutes in, and Joelinton was already under the microscope, leaving a late studs-up challenge on Phil Foden, who was attempting to play out from defence.
Kavanagh refused to get his cards out for the Brazilian, who is known for his dirty work at St James’ Park, and the frustrations were exacerbated later in the half when he was booked for an off-the-ball incident.
And speaking of that off-the-ball incident…
Nico O’Reilly gets away with red card in off-the-ball incident
Nico O’Reilly was extremely fortunate not to see red after lashing out at Joelinton, with the Man City man struggling to get away from his opposition when trying to find space.
There was clear contact with the back of the Newcastle star’s head, and while the contact was limited, it would not have been a surprise to see the young player walking back for an early shower.
Kavanagh was far too determined to keep his cards in his pocket for certain challenges, and he probably should have shown a red one on this occasion.
Chris Kavanagh bottles offside decision on Erling Haaland
Semenyo thought he had doubled City’s lead, flicking home from a corner in the 63rd minute, but after a long, drawn-out VAR check, the goal was ruled out, and Newcastle were still in the tie.
Erling Haaland, while he was in an offside position, had no chance of actually interfering with Nick Pope, who had been beaten from very close range.
It is possibly the worst decision of the season so far, with Kavanagh involved once again in a controversial incident in English football.