Exclusive News Harvey Barnes in a Newcastle United kit, being brought down by Boubacar Kamara in circular inset
Credit: Imago / TNT Sports
Harri Burton
Mon 18 August 2025 14:10, UK
Harvey Barnes should have been punished after attempting to deceive Craig Pawson during Newcastle United’s draw with Aston Villa, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that, while the Newcastle forward and teammate Anthony Gordon wanted a penalty, it was a clear attempt to con the referee.
Eddie Howe‘s side were forced to settle for a goalless draw at Villa Park on Saturday, 16 August, but just because neither team hit the back of the net, that did not mean the game was without its controversies.
Ezri Konsa was sent off for denying Gordon a goalscoring opportunity, but even with a man advantage, the Magpies could not break the deadlock and were not given the chance to do so from the penalty spot.
Craig Pawson deals with Aston Villa v Newcastle controversies
This article contains exclusive comments from ex-PGMOL chief, FIFA official and former professional referee Keith Hackett.
In a moment that went slightly under the radar, Newcastle appealed for a penalty after Barnes tangled with Villa’s Boubacar Kamara inside the box, but all claims were waved away by the referee.
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With nine goals and four assists last season, Barnes was vital to the Magpies’ fifth-place finish, helping Howe’s side to reclaim qualification for the Champions League, instead of Villa and Nottingham Forest.
The club have been handed a setback, however, with Newcastle players unlikely to welcome Alexander Isak back into the squad amid his transfer saga, which is likely why Barnes was in the starting lineup.
Watching the footage again, Hackett believes that the 27-year-old was lucky to escape a yellow card, suggesting that the player threw himself to the floor in an attempt to buy a penalty from Pawson.
Harvey Barnes deserved to be cautioned at Villa Park
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “What you’re seeing is an exaggeration. He knows exactly what he’s doing. In the summer, Howard Webb will have gotten his referees together to go through scenarios.
“However, what is missing is that if the referee does not see this as a penalty, it is an act of simulation because there is exaggeration. That player is attempting to deceive the referee.
Craig Pawson
Craig Pawson did not buy Harvey Barnes’ theatrical fall. (Credit Getty Images)
“He has the authority in law to caution for an act of simulation. Once referees start doing this, we’ll see a reduction in this action.
“Players attempt to win penalties by manufacturing physical contact. Stop cheating. That’s what it is.”
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