Jacob Ramsey of Newcastle United reacts after being shown a red card by Referee Peter Bankes during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St James' Park on March 04, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)placeholder image
Jacob Ramsey of Newcastle United reacts after being shown a red card by Referee Peter Bankes during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St James' Park on March 04, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Jacob Ramsey was sent off while Sandro Tonali was a late sub during Newcastle United’s 2-1 win over Manchester United.
Newcastle United will be without Jacob Ramsey for their FA Cup fifth round tie at home to Manchester City on Saturday night.
The Magpies beat Manchester United 2-1 on Wednesday, despite playing over 45 minutes with 10 men following Ramsey’s controversial dismissal.
Ramsey was booked in the 26th minute for what was his first tackle before receiving his second yellow card in first-half stoppage time for simulation.
The 24-year-old fell to ground under a challenge from goalkeeper Senne Lammens with Eddie Howe and several pundits, including former Premier League referee Mike Dean, disagreeing with the decision.
Former Premier League referee disagrees with Jacob Ramsey red card
Howe said: “I thought very iffy, in my opinion, I don't think Jacob's gone down to simulate or mislead the referee in any way. I think he's maybe anticipating contact, it doesn't come and he loses his footing.
“I think you've got to be really careful before changing the game in that way like the referee did and sort of ruin the game to a degree as a spectacle, although maybe not from our side at the end because we got the result we wanted, but the game was very different, a lot slower.
“I thought it was a poor decision personally.”
Meanwhile, Dean added: “I think he's unlucky, it's not a dive. He's jumped over the goalkeeper and as he's landed, he's just lost his footing and gone down.
“For me, there's always a third option, do nothing and if you're not 100% certain, which I don't think the referee was. He might have got some feedback from the assistant referee, but it's not simulation, he's missed the 'keeper, landed funny and lost his footing.
“I don't think he's even looking for it, as soon as he's gone down, he's got up straight away.”
Jacob Ramsey ruled out v Manchester City
While Newcastle were able to come away with the victory in spite of the officials, Howe is light on midfield options heading into this weekend’s clash versus Man City.
Because Ramsey was sent off for two bookable offences, the Magpies are unable to appeal the decision and he will therefore serve a one-match ban against the Citizens.
Newcastle are already without Bruno Guimaraes and Lewis Miley, while Nick Woltemade, who has played in midfield in recent weeks, missed the Man United win through illness.
Sandro Tonali update after withdrawing late on v Manchester United
It leaves Sandro Tonali, Joelinton and Joe Willock as the only recognised senior midfielders. Tonali was brought off in the closing stages against the Red Devils but Howe confirmed it was cramp rather than an injury.
Howe said: “I think it was just cramp with Sandro. Again, another player that's playing every week, who's executing everything.
“We've got a lot of players that are maxed out. We've got to be careful, we've got to manage the squad. We've got so many big games to come and we don't have a deep squad.
“So, yeah, interesting squad selection and decisions for the weekend.”