Sandro Tonali and Joelinton
Sandro Tonali couldn't believe what he was seeing
Sandro Tonali was forced into action to drag Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton away, as the Brazilian risked a sending off against . The and quickly started clapping the referee.
Joelinton cynically pulled back the shirt of his countryman and international team-mate Matheus Cunha to pick up a caution from referee Peter Bankes. The crowd were unhappy with the official and Joelinton reacted in a similar vein to risk picking up a second yellow card in seconds until Tonali stepped in.
The Newcastle star was lambasted by TNT Sports commentator Ally McCoist, who declared the moment 'absolute stupidity'. "It's gross stupidity, that," he said on the broadcast.
"The free kick is bad enough but the sarcastic applause is absolute stupidity."
Tonali's feelings were clearly similar to the former Rangers striker, and the Italian midfielder appeared perplexed before he kept his teammate out of further trouble. And it was just as well he did as Newcastle were down to 10 men before the half was out.
English referee Peter Bankes shows a yellow card to Newcastle United's Joelinton (Image: ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP via Getty Images)
Jacob Ramsey was sent off for a second yellow card for the hosts. Already cautioned, Ramsey was judged to have dived in United's box.
The former Aston Villa star went down after pushing the ball past Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens. But many think that Ramsey was harshly judged.
"I think it's extremely harsh," said Shay Given during his half-time analysis. Ex-Red Devil Owen Hargreaves agreed, but believes he has worked out the officials' thinking.
"I think because he doesn't go down when the keeper is out, he takes a step, takes a second and then just collapses," he said. "I think that's what they've seen but I think it's harsh as well."
The Magpies' midfield trio had enjoyed some success against the likes of Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo, but Tonali and Joelinton were left to face a stiffer task in the second period following the sending off.
The sides went into the break level after a dramatic end to the opening half as Anthony Gordon converted a penalty after being fouled, before Casemiro equalised in stoppage time.