Arsenal Newcastle
(Credit: Match of the Day 2 and Imago)
Keith Hackett
Mon 19 May 2025 16:00, UK
Keith Hackett has given his verdict on appeals from Arsenal for Newcastle United defender Emil Krafth to be sent off immediately after coming on in the clash between the two sides.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that he believes the decision to book the Swede for bringing down Gabriel Martinelli was the correct one.
A stunning strike from Declan Rice saw Arsenal secure qualification for the Champions League with a 1-0 win over Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon (18 May).
Shortly after the England international had opened the scoring though, the Gunners were not happy when Krafth managed to avoid being given his marching orders.
Eddie Howe at Newcastle United
Eddie Howe’s substitution nearly went quickly wrong at Arsenal (Credit: Imago)
Emil Krafth booked for Gabriel Martinelli challenge
After 64 minutes of the game, Krafth was brought on by Magpies manager Eddie Howe to replace Sven Botman.
As the game resumed, Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya then sent a long ball forward towards Krafth and Martinelli on the left wing.
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With the Gunners winger then getting the better of his defender, Krafth would haul him to the ground, earning himself an immediate yellow card for Simon Hooper.
Position Played Points
2. Arsenal 37 71
3. Newcastle United 37 66
4. Chelsea 37 66
5. Aston Villa 37 66
6. Manchester City 36 65
7. Nottingham Forest 37 65
The hosts though, claimed that the defender should have been sent off for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity.
Hackett though, feels the right call was reached in booking the Newcastle man rather than sending him off, due to the positon of his teammates in the centre of the pitch.
Arsenal appeals for Newcastle United red played down
After being asked by Football Insider whether Krafth could have been sent off for his challenge on Martinelli, Hackett said:
“I think in fairness I thought Simon Hooper had a really good game. It’s not denial, and the reason it’s not denial is; one, it’s a foul there’s no question about that, and it’s stopped a promising attack for which he gets a yellow card.
“The probability of controlling the ball? No. Covering defender? Yes. Direction of play. No. So it’s nowhere near denial of an obvious goalscoring opportunity.
“I think people have got to get away from the fact of last man. Because he can still be the last man and then the referee has to determine if the defender can get back quickly enough.
“Then he’s also got to determine direction of play, so for me this is absolutely not denial.”
While there were no more goals in the game, there was more drama, with both Arsenal and Newcastle facing charges after both groups of players clashed on the stroke of the full time whistle.
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