Mohammed Kudus won the Billy Big Balls Award last night, towards the end of the clash between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur at St James' Park.
Newcastle United were comfortably 2-0 up as the game neared its conclusion, and the frustration on the Spurs players was certainly starting to show; and it wasn't going to take much to light the touch paper.
Enter Joelinton. The Brazilian came off the bench late on and immediately set about doing what he does best - clattering the opposition.
It didn't take long for J7 to find himself in the referee's book after a Martial Arts manoeuvre on Mohammed Kudus, which saw the Spurs player react by squaring up to Joelinton - not something a rational man should ever do. It took several players to peel Joelinton away from the situation, while both Joelinton and Kudus were handed bookings for their behaviour.
Chris Kavanagh explains why Joelinton didn't see red versus Tottenham
When the replay of the initial challenge was shown, Kudus' reaction was actually understandable, as it had looked like Joelinton had scissored the winger to bring him down and then almost got a piggyback when Kudus tried to get up.
However, former referee Mark Clattenberg has told TBR Football why a yellow card was the appropriate response from referee Chris Kavanagh.
“It does not feel fair that Joelinton, for his challenge, was given the same punishment as Mohammed Kudus. Joelinton’s challenge was certainly reckless and was a scissor action which tripped his opponent.
“To meet the criteria of a red card, however, there needs to be some force and malice used, which this challenge lacked and therefore did not endanger the safety of his opponent. Nevertheless, it does not feel right that Kudos received the same punishment after being on the end of that tackle.”
A booking each seemed fair to us
We're not sure we agree that it was unfair that they received the same punishment. Kudus' reaction, while maybe justified, was still yellow card-worthy.
To be fair to the referee, and indeed both sets of players, the situation was calmed down quickly before it got out of hand.
Still, we'd always back Joey in those situations. Have you seen the man's biceps?