Jacob Ramsey of Newcastle United is 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.
Jacob Ramsey was sent off just before half time
The Premier League Match Centre has explained why Manchester United did not get a penalty against Newcastle United. Things were looking promising for Michael Carrick's side at St. James' Park.
In added time of the first half, Magpies' midfielder Jacob Ramsey was controversially sent off for the home side. The Englishman hurdled a challenge from Senne Lammens and was adjudged to have dived before being subsequently booked for the second time.
The home fans were furious with the call which reduced them to ten men. Ex-Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given and former Rangers forward Ally McCoist also felt the call to send Ramsey off was hard.
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When asked about the red card first, ex-Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given said: "I think it's extremely harsh. I think because he doesn't go down when the keeper is out, he takes a step, takes a second and then just collapses. I think that's what they've seen but I think it's harsh as well."
McCoist also said: "It's an interesting one. Initially, when he goes down, I wasn't sure he was looking for it. He knocks the ball by him, I'm not sure it's a real effort to con the referee, to be honest with you.
"I know he goes to ground, but there's no way he's giving a penalty. Is he just trying to get out of the road? Is he off-balance? That's a really interesting one. Does he touch him there, and it just knocks him off balance a little bit?"
Anthony Gordon earned Newcastle United a penalty against Manchester United (Image: 2026 Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA)
Minutes after his red card, Anthony Gordon was tripped in the penalty area by United skipper Bruno Fernandes and the home side were given the penalty.
The red card proved to be the catalyst for a bonkers period of added time in the first half. Gordon ran up the other end, cut inside Fernandes and fell over the Portuguese midfielder's trailing leg.
He then made no mistake from the penalty spot to give the Magpies the lead. Moments later, Gordon's celebrations were cut short as Casemiro scored an equaliser for Michael Carrick's side.
There will be more to follow. We'll bring you the very latest updates on this breaking news story.
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