Liverpool secured a dramatic late equaliser at St. James’ Park on Sunday, although the outcome could have been significantly different had Yoane Wissa potentially avoided a dismissal.
The former Brentford striker should have been shown a red card, according to Tim Sherwood.
Newcastle were reduced to 10 men according to Sherwood, who argued that Wissa’s challenge on Ryan Gravenberch warranted a second booking. The Congolese international had already received a yellow card in the 25th minute before appearing to trip Gravenberch in midfield during the first half, escaping a second caution.
The Reds clinched a stoppage-time point when Dominik Szoboszlai converted from the penalty spot after Victor Munoz was fouled by Lewis Hall. Anthony Elanga had given Newcastle the lead at half-time, with Cody Gakpo drawing Liverpool level before Joe Willock restored the home side’s advantage. Wissa supplied the assist for Willock’s goal, though Sherwood maintained the forward should not have been on the pitch to create it.
The former Tottenham manager, speaking on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch, stated that the challenge constituted a second yellow and therefore a red card in his view.
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher and former Cardiff City striker Jay Bothroyd offered contrasting opinions, supporting the original on-field call made by Stuart Attwell.
Gallagher explained that a second yellow carries greater significance and questioned whether dismissal was appropriate for such an incident. He noted that the punishment is more severe and does not constitute a yellow card on its own merits, suggesting it was insufficient for a sending-off.
Bothroyd expressed his view that Gravenberch managed to shift direction after Wissa’s initial run, and at no stage did Wissa appear to deliberately clip the opponent’s heels, describing it as an unfortunate incident rather than a caution-worthy offence and praising the original decision.
Liverpool also received confirmation that their stoppage-time penalty was correctly awarded when Hall felled Munoz in the area. Gallagher believed Attwell made the correct call, describing the challenge as clumsy and contact rather than ball-winning, stating it was impactful and warranted a spot kick, dismissing suggestions it was soft.
Sherwood concurred with the referee’s assessment, noting the contact was clear and would not be overturned. Bothroyd described it as poorly timed rather than soft.
Regarding Szoboszlai’s penalty, Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola expressed satisfaction with the result. He noted the team possesses several capable penalty-takers including Szoboszlai, Alexander Isak, Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo, praising Szoboszlai’s execution as nearly impossible to save. Iraola also suggested an earlier, clearer penalty opportunity existed but was not awarded due to an earlier whistle, and expressed pleasure for Munoz who caused problems for opponents, emphasising the importance of impactful substitutes.
Liverpool now prepare for their first home fixture of the campaign, hosting Nottingham Forest at Anfield on Saturday, August 29 at 12:30pm.