Leicester City fans, including Match of the Day host Gary Lineker, were left frustrated on Saturday as Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimarães avoided a red card during the clash at St James’ Park.
Two contentious incidents involving the Brazilian midfielder raised eyebrows, prompting fierce debate both on the pitch and off it.
The first flashpoint came when Guimarães appeared to dive in the Leicester box in an attempt to win a penalty.
Referee Simon Hooper waved away the appeal, but many questioned why the Newcastle man wasn’t booked for simulation.
The second incident, however, was even more controversial. Guimarães’ high boot during a challenge on Stephy Mavididi had Leicester fans and pundits alike calling for a straight red card.
The decisions were subsequently scrutinised on Sky Sports News’ Monday Ref Watch segment, with former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher offering his assessment.
Gallagher revealed that the first incident wasn’t, in fact, judged as simulation at all but rather for handball, which shifted the narrative entirely.
“If you watch what happens, the referee actually gives a free-kick for handball, not for a dive,” explained Gallagher.
“There is physical contact. It is not a penalty in his opinion, it is handball and not every handball is a yellow card.”
This clarification provided some context for the referee’s decision to keep his cards in his pocket on that occasion.
The second incident, where Guimarães caught Mavididi with a high boot, was the more controversial of the two.
The midfielder was booked for the challenge, but Leicester supporters – and many neutrals – felt the tackle warranted a harsher punishment.
Gallagher, however, stood by the decision to show a yellow card, explaining that the challenge lacked the force and intent to justify a dismissal.
“I think it is a yellow. I think it is yellow because Guimarães is set, his position is set, he is reaching [with his boot],” said Gallagher.
“He is almost flicking out for the ball. He doesn’t plant his studs. He can’t gather any momentum. So it is not as forceful as you [might] think. It’s not a nice tackle but it’s not a red card for me.”
Gallagher’s explanation aligns with the notion that Guimarães’ actions were more a clumsy attempt to play the ball rather than a malicious challenge.
While it may have been careless, the absence of excessive force or intent spared the midfielder a more severe punishment.
The incidents may not sit well with Leicester fans, but Gallagher’s reasoning provides insight into why the referee and VAR opted not to escalate the decisions.
For Guimarães and Newcastle, it was a fortunate outcome – one that only adds to the frustrations of those on the other side of the result.
