Former referees’ chief claims Dan Burn should face a ban after Liverpool vs Newcastle incident is reviewed again.

 

 

Dan Burn was lucky to avoid a red card during Newcastle United’s heavy 4-1 loss to Liverpool at Anfield.

Former PGMOL boss and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett told Football Insider that referee Simon Hooper should have sent the defender off in Saturday’s clash on 31 January. Tempers flared early on, with Anthony Gordon and Alexis Mac Allister involved in a heated exchange before Gordon put Newcastle ahead in the 36th minute.

Liverpool responded in style, though. A brace from Hugo Ekitike, along with goals from Florian Wirtz and Ibrahima Konate, saw Arne Slot’s side turn the match on its head — and it could have been even more convincing.

Recently back from injury, Burn found himself at the centre of controversy late on. Already booked in the 86th minute for dissent, the 33-year-old then launched into a late challenge on Cody Gakpo just two minutes later. The tackle sparked angry reactions from Liverpool players, with Gakpo needing to be restrained and Milos Kerkez confronting the defender.

Hackett believes Eddie Howe’s side were fortunate not to be reduced to ten men. Speaking about the incident, he said Burn’s challenge was reckless and deserved a yellow card — which, given his earlier booking, should have resulted in a red.

The weekend delivered plenty of drama elsewhere in the Premier League, including Beto’s late equaliser against Brighton, Arsenal’s emphatic win over Leeds, and Chelsea’s stunning comeback.

At Stamford Bridge, Jean-Clair Todibo was sent off as West Ham collapsed from a two-goal advantage, leaving them just five points clear of danger. With Nottingham Forest set to face Crystal Palace on Sunday, the Hammers could slip even further behind, explaining the rising tension.

Burn ultimately escaped the same fate as West Ham’s No.25, and Slot is expected to raise concerns with Howard Webb over the officiating decision.