Amazon pundit shocked Joelinton not sent off for Newcastle against Everton
Andy Townsend could not believe what he saw at the end of the first half of Newcastle’s win over Everton when Joelinton was not sent off.
The Brazilian was already on a booking in the 39th minute at St James’ Park when he completely mistimed a challenge on Idrissa Gueye in the midfield, got nowhere near the ball and flattened the Senegal international.
He escaped with only a warning when a second yellow seemed obvious, much to the amazement of Townsend.
Speaking live on the Amazon Prime match commentary on Wednesday night (19 October, 8.08pm) Townsend said: “That’s as clumsy a challenge as you’ll see all night.
“He’s committed to the ball. Are you trying to tell me that’s not a yellow card? Wow. I think he’s extremely lucky there, extremely.”
Baffling
It was a challenge that would have likely received a booking if Joelinton hadn’t already been carrying one, if it had happened after half-time, and it is tempting to feel like also if it wasn’t for the home side in the atmosphere inside the stadium.
Eddie Howe clearly knew his side had got away with one because he duly substituted the player at half time to avoid giving the referee another opportunity.
It was one of a couple of contentious decisions at the end of the opening period just where the Magpies were in the ascendency, having taken the lead through Miguel Almiron, as Anthony Gordon ended up in a scuffle and wasn’t awarded a penalty after going down through contact with Dan Burn.
Following the break Frank Lampard’s team talk looked to have had the desired affect, as a number of players were suddenly much sharper and there was more purpose about Everton.
After a fairly useless first half where he went to ground over and over, Amadou Onana snapped to his senses and produced a much improved display, while Demarai Gray started having an impact going forward along with Alex Iwobi.
Had they been operating against 10 men perhaps they would have been able to find a better end product to some encouraging build up moves, but as it was the team never truly threatened to score and it went down as a very frustrating night, where James Tarkowski was also perhaps lucky not to be sent off for a challenge on Ryan Fraser, albeit much later on.