Newcastle United may have secured a fantastic 3-1 win over Southampton on Saturday, but some Toon fans are still furious over one particular incident.
Many supporters felt that Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse should have been sent off for a foul on Miguel Almiron in the first half, but the Englishman remained on the pitch.
Almiron had been leading a dangerous counter attack for the Toon, before Ward-Prowse cynically obstructed the midfielder with a barge before the halfway line.
The foul stopped a potential two versus one situation with the goalkeeper, and so Newcastle’s fans and staff were rightly incensed.
But referee Anthony Taylor deemed the barge to be just a yellow card offence, leading to angry criticisms from Rafa Benitez and his staff.
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Taylor was even forced to send off first team coach Mikel Antia for excessive arguing with the fourth official.
Had Ayoze Perez not saved the day with his first Newcastle hat-trick, the incident would likely have cause more controversy.
But despite Newcastle’s win, some Toon fans still can’t get their heads around the decision.
Newcastle fans react to Ward-Prowse foul
Correct decision?
There has much been much debate over whether Ward-Prowse should have seen red, but many experts believe yellow was the correct decision.
A referee can only give a red card for a foul that stops a clear and obvious goal scoring opportunity.
As the challenge took place in Newcastle’s own half, Anthony Taylor could not really deem it an obvious opportunity.
It was frustrating for Toon fans as Almiron would probably have gone on to have a chance at goal.
But Anthony Taylor was simply adhering to the rule book.
It seems unfair, but according to the rules, it was the correct decision to keep him on the pitch.
Thankfully Newcastle’s win means it hasn’t become a bigger issue, and Newcastle fans can celebrate a consecutive Premier League victory.
