Ex-refs chief stunned by 'brutal' Anthony Elanga footage in Newcastle clash

Anthony Elanga was fortunate to avoid a serious injury following a "brutal" challenge in Newcastle United's win over Valencia.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that clubs need to find better ways of protecting their players in pre-season friendlies.

Elanga was forced off with an injury just 39 minutes into the game on Saturday, 8 August, having been on the end of a red-card challenge from Jose Gaya.

Studs-up, at pace, malicious, and endangering an opponent. It was all there from the 31-year-old full-back, but it is believed that Newcastle's winger only suffered a bruised shin.

There appears to be an increase of fiesty moments during this summer's pre-season, which could end in clubs losing out on millions of pounds.

With just three goals and one assist since his £55m to St James' Park, it was not an ideal first season with the Magpies, but he remains an important player.

Anthony Elanga 'lucky to avoid serious injury'

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett was taken aback by the pre-season footage, stunned by such dangerous play during a supposed friendly game.

"It's amazing, isn't it? I know that clubs want competitive games in friendly matches, but like all games, there are no friendlies," he said.

"And as a result of that, there is a serious risk that a player gets injured in a pre-season friendly, and that player could be worth millions.

"All players are important to Premier League clubs in particular. So the first question is, why do clubs play these games, and is there a better way of dealing with pre-season preparation?

"Rather than going into a country where they're putting at risk the safety of their players. There are no friendlies, and as a result, this is always a risk.

"But sometimes there's a degree of volatility that arises. That is a brutal challenge. Elanga's lucky to come out of it without any serious injury."

What has Matthias Jaissle said about Elanga's injury?

The last thing that Matthias Jaissle needs is a long-term injury in pre-season, with Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon and Bruno Guimaraes all gone.

“The only thing I can say is that it seems to be not bad, and we hope it’s true that Anthony can start again next week,” Jaissle said after the game.

“Of course I was in fear, definitely. But now I am more relaxed because the medical department is showing a green light for it."

With all of the Magpies' young signings so far, Elanga is one of the most experienced figures in the squad right now, and 2026-27 could be a huge season for him.