Tomas Soucek 'fortunate' not to see red in Bruno Guimaraes altercation vs Newcastle United - Ex-refs chief
Tomas Soucek was lucky to remain on the pitch during West Ham United's 3-1 defeat to Newcastle United on Sunday.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that Bruno Guimaraes was well within his rights to react angrily to the incident on 17 May.
In the 59th minute, West Ham's No.28 bundled his midfield opposition to the ground before kicking out at the Brazilian, sparking a confrontation between the two near the sidelines.
Guimaraes avoided a caution for his reaction, with some suggesting that Soucek deserved a worse punishment, but it had no overall impact on the result as West Ham slipped closer to the relegation zone.
Tomas Soucek and Bruno Guimaraes go toe-to-toe
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “There is no doubt that, while there was no force, Soucek, after committing a reckless challenge, which was a yellow card in itself, kicked out.
“People will argue that it’s a tap, but it was a forward movement of the foot. ‘Striking’ is a dismissal, even if it’s an attempt to do so. It’s a fine line.
“Is it worthy of a red card? I think he’s fortunate. The assistant referee is right on top of it, looking down on it rather than across, and the referee has no chance.
“The outcome was the right one – a yellow card. I can fully understand Guimaraes’ reaction to what had happened. I don’t believe in cheap yellow cards.
| Tomas Soucek | vs | Bruno Guimaraes |
| 4 | Tackles | 5 |
| 67% (6/9) | Ground duels won | 52% (12/23) |
| 1 | Fouls won | 5 |
| 1 | Fouls committed | 5 |
“I’d do exactly what Jarred Gillett did, and VAR were right not to get involved, just seeing it as something that happens in football.”
Soucek's future could be over at West Ham
The Hammers have just one game remaining. A clash against Leeds United is all that stands between survival and relegation, with Tottenham likely to gain one point against Chelsea and Everton.
Football Insider understands that West Ham are open to the sale of Soucek at the end of the season, possibly bringing an end to his six years at the London Stadium.
David Moyes has already been linked with a reunion. The Scot is doing a tremendous job as Everton manager, and has always been a huge fan of the Czech international.
Soucek is about to enter the final 12 months of his contract with the Hammers, so it remains to be seen where he might end up ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.