Joelinton, Newcastle United, Bournemouth
Joelinton, Newcastle United, Bournemouth
VAR must improve ahead of next season after letting David Coote down over an incident involving Joelinton for Newcastle United last season, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the Brazilian midfielder should have been sent off for his challenge on the Bournemouth goalkeeper, Neto, in the closing stages of the match.
It was a moment which produced a red card for one of Andoni Iraola‘s backroom staff during the 1-1 draw back in August 2024, but one that remains under discussion following the end of the 2024/25 campaign.
Marcus Tavernier and Anthony Gordon, who has been linked with Liverpool, cancelled out each other’s strikes at the Vitality Stadium before Dango Ouattara saw his added-time winner controversially ruled out for handball early last season.
Joelinton clashes with Neto in Newcastle United draw
With four minutes of added time, Neto attempted to launch one final attack against the Magpies in the sixth minute of added time, but Joelinton would do everything in his power to stop him by tackling him to the ground as he looked to throw the ball out.
Referee Coote saw the incident, but awarded a yellow card, then brandished a red card to one of the Bournemouth staff, with the moment remaining as a sour one in Hackett’s mind.
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Eddie Howe admitted after the game that his player was lucky not to have been shown an upgraded card in the closing stages, suggesting that he would hold talks over Joelinton’s actions [Metro].
Joelinton, Newcastle United
Credit: Getty Images
VAR performance must improve after Newcastle star escapes sending off
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former referee wants work to be done over the summer to avoid repeats of that sort of situation next term, saying: “I think he was fortunate that wasn’t red. It should have been red, no question. He’s endangered the safety of an opponent.
“Players play with their feet, not with their hands and arms. Goalkeepers play with their hands and arms. On this occasion, that was uncalled for. He should have received a red card.
“We have to say, if the referee hasn’t seen it properly, the VAR has an opportunity to see it. For me, that retrospective action, which is seen within the laws of the game, takes place with immediacy with VAR.
Keith Hackett
Keith Hackett has been disappointed by some of VAR’s decisions.
“I have no doubt that VAR’s performance levels must improve, and I feel that the referee was let down in this scenario, and VAR should have intervened. He should have been sent to the screen.
“Had that happened, Joelinton would have been sent off. That’s where a lot of work needs to be done to improve the use of VAR. Hopefully, they spend most of the closed season doing that.”