Chelsea were lucky to avoid going down to ten men during their Premier League clash with Newcastle United on Saturday, according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett.
The former official told Football Insider that Alejandro Garnacho’s challenge on Jacob Ramsey should have resulted in a red card, highlighting just how serious the incident was.
Newcastle appeared in control after Nick Woltemade’s two first-half goals, but the match swung dramatically in Chelsea’s favor after halftime, leaving Eddie Howe frustrated and under increasing pressure.
The Magpies’ inability to hold their two-goal lead was compounded by some controversial refereeing decisions, which, according to Hackett, could have seriously impacted the safety of the players.
The incident in question occurred in the 27th minute when Garnacho, fresh from a midweek brace against Cardiff City, went crashing into Newcastle’s Jacob Ramsey.
The referee, Andy Madley, issued only a yellow card, a decision Hackett strongly disagreed with. Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett described the challenge in stark terms, expressing concern for player safety.
“Garnacho challenged with his foot raised and raked it down his opponent’s leg,” he said. “I’m sorry, but if we are going to allow this challenge to be considered only as ‘reckless,’ then we are going to see more time in the treatment room rather than playing.
This, for me, is serious foul play, and he should have received a red card.” Hackett’s comments underline the potential dangers of allowing such high-risk challenges to go unpunished, emphasizing that player welfare should always come first.
The match itself was a rollercoaster for Newcastle. After going 2-0 up thanks to Woltemade’s clinical finishing, Chelsea gradually wrestled back control. Reece James’ influence on the game was clear, and the Blues’ persistence allowed them to level the score.
Howe, who has faced criticism for Newcastle’s inconsistency this season, saw his side struggle to maintain focus, and the controversial refereeing decisions did little to help. Fans at St James’ Park were left frustrated, feeling that the Magpies could have had a stronger grip on the game if key decisions had gone their way.
Meanwhile, Garnacho’s performance beyond the early incident has generated discussion among Chelsea supporters. Initially, his move to Stamford Bridge was met with mixed reactions, with many unsure if the young Argentine could adapt to the Premier League’s pace and physicality.
However, several months into his career at West London, he is beginning to earn respect. Against Newcastle, he created two chances and registered five shots, demonstrating attacking intent despite not adding to his goal tally.
While some of his efforts were wasteful, the overall contribution was positive, and many supporters are now recognizing his potential as a dynamic winger.
Chelsea’s display was not without other areas of concern. Cole Palmer, still regaining full fitness, appeared subdued for much of the match, and Malo Gusto struggled defensively, arguably producing one of the poorest performances on the day.
Yet, the attention inevitably fell on Garnacho’s challenge and the debate over whether the referee’s leniency could have endangered players. For Newcastle, the result feels like a missed opportunity, as they could have extended their lead and taken control of the game much earlier.
Hackett’s warning serves as a reminder that referees’ decisions carry weight not just for the scoreline but for the safety of the players involved, a factor that should never be underestimated.
In the end, the 2-2 draw reflected both teams’ strengths and vulnerabilities, but the early controversial moment will linger in discussions.
Newcastle’s frustration, Chelsea’s narrow escape from a potential red card, and the ongoing debates about VAR and refereeing standards highlight how pivotal individual moments can be in shaping Premier League matches.
Garnacho’s challenge may have gone unpunished, but Hackett’s perspective underscores that such incidents have serious consequences, and ensuring player safety should always remain paramount.
