“What’s the point in VAR?”- Fans slam Premier League officiating as Joelinton’s ‘rugby tackle’ on Bournemouth keeper gets only a yellow

Fans slammed Premier League officiating standards, after a controversial end to a Premier League match between Newcastle and Bournemouth.

“What’s the point in VAR?”- Fans slam Premier League officiating as Joelinton’s ‘rugby tackle’ on Bournemouth keeper gets only a yellow

Newcastle midfielder Joelinton's reckless challenge on Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto generated controversy, after the referee did not award a red card. (via Daily Mail)

Fans once again slammed Premier League officiating standards, after Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton made a rough tackle on Bournemouth keeper Neto. The midfielder luckily escaped, as he was only penalized with a yellow card for the foul. 

Premier League refereeing standards have often been criticized for erroneous decisions, despite the presence of VAR (video assistant referee) and other modern amenities. Another major instance of poor refereeing was visible during Newcastle’s recent Premier League outing against Bournemouth.

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The controversial match at the Vitality Stadium, ended in a 1-1 draw, with Marcus Tavernier and Anthony Gordon scoring a goal each for their sides. A 96th minute incident garnered attention, with fans criticizing match officials. Midfielder Joelinton avoided a red card for a bizarre ‘rugby style’ clothesline challenge on Bournemouth’s Neto.

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The Newcastle star threw Neto to the ground by his neck, in an attempt to block him. The Brazilian goalkeeper had rushed out to collect a cross, and was hoping to initiate a quick counter-attack, but was stopped by Joelinton. To everyone’s surprise, however, referee David Coote decided to award the midfielder with only a yellow card for his hasty challenge.

This was not the only incident that generated controversy during the match, with Bournemouth’s 92nd minute goal also being ruled out by VAR. Cherries’ forward Dango Ouattara had scored a late winner, but the goal was ruled out as it had reportedly come off his shoulder. 

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Fans take a dig at Premier League refereeing after controversial Newcastle vs. Bournemouth clash

Social media users slammed the Premier League over poor refereeing, following the controversial end to the EPL clash between Newcastle United and Bournemouth. Fans of the two sides embroiled in a debate over Joelinton’s potential red card for a foul on Neto.

Bournemouth vs Newcastle
Bournemouth’s match against Newcastle ended in controversy. (via The Sun)

Some fans claimed that officiating has been the worst in the EPL over the last decade, pointing to the need for change. Many others felt that Joelinton’s challenge called for a direct red-card, and suggested that the on-field officials should have referred to the VAR. Some others took a dig at the league, labeling it as ‘corruption’, with Bournemouth being a rather small club.

Newcastle fans, however, exclaimed that the referee had taken the right decision, in not awarding a red card. Moreover, some fans even stated that such a foul amounts to a straight red in rugby, as well. 

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