Midfielder Jacob Ramsey was shown a second yellow card for simulation during Newcastle United's win over Manchester United, and a new verdict on the controversy has dropped
Jacob Ramsey
Jacob Ramsey was adjudged to have simulated in an attempt to win a penalty against Man United(Image: Getty Images)
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Newcastle United star Jacob Ramsey's sending off for simulation against Manchester United has been a major talking point. Former PGMOL boss and referee Keith Hackett believes the decision to show the midfielder a second yellow card was incorrect, arguing it does not 'fulfil the criteria for an act of simulation.'
Ramsey received a controversial second yellow card for an apparent dive in first‑half stoppage time. After nudging the ball past United goalkeeper Senne Lammens, Ramsey went to ground, and referee Peter Bankes judged that he had attempted to win a penalty.
The decision left the home crowd and Newcastle players baffled. Chants of 'you're not fit to referee' rang out from the home supporters throughout the second half.
Despite Newcastle going on to win 2-1 thanks to William Osula's superb late winner, the sending off remained a major talking point, with several pundits weighing in.
Hackett has now shared his view. Speaking to Football Insider, he said: "I do not believe that the Newcastle United player has attempted to deceive the referee to win a penalty kick.
Jacob Ramsey, Peter Bankes
Peter Bankes showed Ramsey a second yellow card for simulation(Image: Getty Images)
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"I look for exaggeration, and when the player hits the ground, the player immediately turns to the referee, making an appeal.
"In this situation, there is no contact by the goalkeeper, so the decision not to award a penalty kick is the correct decision.
"However, the attacker is off balance and goes to ground. In my opinion, his actions do not fulfil the criteria for an act of simulation, so he is very unfortunate to receive a yellow card followed by the red.
"Referee Peter Bankes has got this one wrong, making the judgment that the players act was simulation."
Meanwhile, Lammens has suggested Ramsey was looking for contact and that the second yellow card was the correct decision. "I didn't feel any contact, I don't think it was a foul," the Belgian said.
"He was looking for the contact, I was holding myself in and I think the ref made the right decision."
Ally McCoist said on TNT Sports while watching replays of the incident: "It's an interesting one. Initially, when he went down, I wasn't sure he was looking for it [a penalty].
"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 going to give 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?"
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