The former Toon player was lucky to play 90 minutes.
Newcastle United remained unbeaten in three consecutive Premier League matches yesterday, earning a 1-0 victory against Crystal Palace. The game’s result came down to the final moments, but it perhaps should not have been that close if a first-half call was correct.
Referee Stuart Atwell issued a yellow card in the 28th minute to Eagles midfielder Yohan Cabaye after a thunderous, sweeping tackle on Magpies defender DeAndre Yedlin. Shouts for a red could be heard throughout St. James’ Park and from television commentators, but only a caution was given.
The entire complexion of the game would have completely changed for the home side, as Palace were able to push forward with more success following the foul.
Newcastle fans are rightfully frustrated with what can sometimes feel like inconsistent calls from the officials this season, and Cabaye’s actions were perfect fuel for that fire.
Yohan Cabaye not sent off for this challenge on Yedlin, imagine if this was Shelvey, would’ve been a straight red. pic.twitter.com/M3QNFvqf9w
— Adam. (@AdamNUFC_) October 21, 2017
Without going down the well of conspiracy theories and other anti-Magpie motives, this particular scenario truly steered the match in a completely different direction.
And that ultimately was not the right direction.
Dealing with difficult circumstances
Cabaye’s challenge was reckless, and the damage to Yedlin could certainly have been much worse. But there was also a negative element in how Newcastle responded to the referee’s decision.
Palace enjoyed almost full control of the match from that point on, only until Mikel Merino saved the day and all the points for the Toon.
The officials will not always call the match your way, and a team must be able to cope with these unfortunate moments in a more productive manner.
Against a better side, a victory would have been completely out of reach by the time Matt Ritchie’s corner-kick was in the air.
Next: Newcastle United: Toon Takeaways from Palace win
Newcastle United will be happy with their victory yesterday, even with that frustrating call from the referee on a crucial disciplinary situation. But moving forward, the squad can’t let those feelings hold them back.