Pundit shares ‘malicious’ Kieran Trippier claim as Newcastle United controversy analysed
Noel Whelan has insisted a yellow card was a fitting punishment for Newcastle defender Kieran Trippier’s challenge on Kevin de Bruyne during the 3-3 draw at St James’ Park on Sunday (21 August).
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the 31-year-old’s saving grace may have been that his “malicious” challenge didn’t make full contact with the Belgian.
Trippier was initially given a red card for his challenge on Kevin de Bruyne before referee Jared Gillet was instructed to consult the pitchside monitor after a VAR review.
The Australian referee subsequently overturned his original decision and awarded a yellow card to the England international.
As quoted by the Daily Mail post-match, the right-back claimed he wouldn’t go out to “hurt another player”, while Man City boss Pep Guardiola said it was “probably” a red card.
Jamie Carragher tweeted during the match (21 August), claiming Trippier’s challenge should have been punished with a red card – and will be in the future.
Whelan told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “Carragher’s got a point.
“However, the contact was very minimal. It was a malicious challenge, an intentional foul when City are driving forward on the break.
“But we’ve seen a bit more leeway this season. It was a professional foul, but I don’t think it hurt De Bruyne. He was upset by the challenge, but he got straight up.
“It’s enough to bring him down, but when you’re running at speed it can sometimes look worse than what it is.
“I see Jamie’s point of view, but you don’t want to see referees taking teams down to ten men for tackles like that.
“I’ve seen worse, put it that way.”
In other news, pundit backs Newcastle United to complete Joao Pedro deal imminently after source’s update.