Newcastle United can exploit Premier League loophole vs Crystal Palace – on one condition

Newcastle United’s Brazilian midfielder Joelinton finds himself in a precarious situation as he balances his combative playing style with the looming threat of suspension.

The 28-year-old has been sitting on nine Premier League yellow cards since early February, just one caution away from an automatic two-match ban. While he’s managed to avoid adding to his tally in recent weeks, his fiery temperament was on full display during Sunday’s emphatic 4-1 victory over Manchester United.

The incident in question saw Joelinton exchange heated words with Manchester United’s Manuel Ugarte as he prepared to be substituted. The Brazilian gestured toward the Uruguayan midfielder, suggesting they’d continue their discussion after the match, before being ushered away by teammates.

Assistant coach Jason Tindall, standing in for the absent Eddie Howe, quickly intervened to prevent further escalation.

“Joey brings so much to this team—passion, desire, and unwavering commitment,” Tindall explained afterward. “But with a busy schedule ahead and his disciplinary situation, it was crucial we brought him off when we did. He plays on the edge, and that’s what makes him so valuable, but we have to manage him carefully.”

Newcastle’s upcoming match against Crystal Palace marks a critical juncture in Joelinton’s season. Premier League regulations stipulate that any player receiving 10 yellow cards within their team’s first 32 league games faces an immediate two-game suspension.

Wednesday’s clash at St James’ Park represents Newcastle’s 32nd fixture, meaning Joelinton could reset the clock by avoiding a booking.

However, there’s an intriguing loophole that could work in his favor—albeit in unorthodox fashion. If Joelinton were to receive two yellow cards against Palace, resulting in a red card, his booking count would effectively reset to nine.

This peculiar rule exists because a sending-off negates the individual cautions that led to it. Of course, the ideal scenario remains for Joelinton to steer clear of trouble entirely, but the option presents an unusual safety net should tensions boil over.

Joelinton isn’t the only Newcastle figure needing to tread carefully. Defender Dan Burn, previously on eight yellow cards, has navigated past the threshold for a ban after completing the Manchester United match without incident. Meanwhile, assistant coach Jason Tindall is also flirting with disciplinary consequences.

The animated coach has collected two yellow cards this season, and a third would earn him a one-match touchline ban. “I don’t usually find myself in trouble with officials,” Tindall remarked with a wry smile.

“This season’s bookings felt a tad harsh, but I’ll admit I’m biased. I’ve got a good rapport with the referees, and I’ll be on my best behavior—we’ve got too much at stake to risk unnecessary suspensions.”

As the Magpies push for European qualification, managing these disciplinary tightropes becomes increasingly vital. Joelinton’s tenacity in midfield has been instrumental to Newcastle’s success, but his aggression must now be tempered with pragmatism.

The coming days will reveal whether he can channel his intensity without crossing the line—or if Newcastle will need to exploit the league’s peculiar regulations to keep him available during a pivotal stretch of the season.

One thing is certain: with so much on the line, every tackle, every protest, and every interaction with officials will carry heightened significance. For Joelinton and Newcastle, discipline could prove just as decisive as talent in their pursuit of a top-four finish.