Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes picked up a yellow card against Leicester, but it could’ve been worse.
Guimaraes was booked for a foul on Stephy Mavididi in the first half of Newcastle’s 4-0 win against Leicester City at St James’ Park on Saturday with the Brazilian scoring the Magpies’ second two minutes into the second half.
The yellow card came just a minute after an incident involving Guimaraes and Foxes defender Jannick Vestergaard where the two players came together in the box. It was checked and no further action was required.
Despite that, Leicester fans were adamant that Guimaraes should’ve been booked for simulation but nothing was given. If he did get that yellow it would’ve meant that the challenge on Mavididi would’ve been his second yellow card.
Now, a former referee has addressed the incidents involving the Newcastle captain which is bound to clear up the matter.
Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United at full time during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Tottenham Hotspu...
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Former referee Dermot Gallagher shuts down Bruno Guimaraes red card controversy
On the latest RefWatch feature, former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher was asked about the two incidents involving Guimaraes and the Leicester duo.
On the Vestergaard incident, he said: “The referee gives a free-kick and if you watch it, there is physical contact. What referees are looking for, to give a booking for simulation is no physical contact.
“If you watch what happens, the referee actually gives a free-kick for handball, not for a dive, there is physical contact.
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“It is not a penalty in his opinion, it is handball and not every handball is a yellow card.”
On the Mavididi incident, he says: “I think yellow. I think yellow because Guimaraes is set, his position is set and he’s reaching (with his foot).
“He’s almost flicking out for the ball, he doesn’t plant his studs, he can’t gather any momentum so it’s not as forceful as you think.
“It’s not a nice tackle, but it’s not a red card for me.”
Toon boss Eddie Howe decided to take off Guimaraes in the 64th minute, perhaps feeling like the possibility of another yellow card was still there and with Newcastle’s Carabao Cup quarter-final against Brentford in mind.
Bruno Guimaraes close to Premier League suspension following booking against Leicester
Guimaraes’ booking against Leicester was his fourth in the Premier League this season which puts him one away from picking up a one-match ban.
The Brazilian must be on his best behaviour for the next three games to avoid a suspension. Last season Guimaraes miraculously went 11 games without being booked to avoid a two-match ban much to the delight of Newcastle fans.
Guimaraes has previously seen red during his time at Newcastle, picking up a red card in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Southampton in 2023.
His fellow Brazilian teammate Joelinton was also booked in the win against Leicester which means he’ll miss the trip to Ipswich on Saturday. Despite reaching the limit in the Premier League, Joelinton can still play against Brentford in the League Cup on Wednesday.
Newcastle will be without Sean Longstaff who picked up bookings in the wins against AFC Wimbledon and Chelsea.
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