The latest Newcastle United news and opinions with the Magpies in action against Barcelona in the Champions League at St. James’ Park on Thursday evening
21:33, 18 Sep 2025Updated 21:34, 18 Sep 2025
Gerard Martin of FC Barcelona challenges Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United(Image: Ed Sykes/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Newcastle United received two immediate referee responses following late challenges in their Champions League clash with Barcelona at St. James’ Park.
The Magpies started the game well and had the two best chances of the opening 45 minutes. Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes missed good opportunities after some great work down the right from Anthony Elanga.
Hansi Flick’s side grew into the game, though they were visibly frustrated by Eddie Howe’s side. Full-back, Gerard Martim, caught Newcastle midfielder, Bruno Guimaraes, with a late challenge before the half-time interval.
The incident was checked by VAR, but the officials adjudged Glenn Nyberg’s decision to be the correct one. Moments later, Dan Burn was shown a yellow card for a late challenge on Jules Kounde, and he too was shown a yellow card.
Speaking about the decisions at half-time, former Magpies goalkeeper Shay Given suggested the referee made an error in not sending off Martin. He said: “VAR had a look at it [Martim challenge]. I think he’s really got the studs high up his shin there, and I think we have seen red cards for less in the Champions League especially and I think Martin is really lucky.”
When asked whether Dan Burn was fortunate to avoid a red card for a late challenge on Jules Kounde, former Chelsea playmaker, Joe Cole, said: “Nah, nah. It’s got a bit spicy.
“He does catch him, it’s a yellow card but it’s nothing more than that. I think it’s started to get a bit frustrating for Newcastle because they will feel that they should have been winning and a few tackles were going in.”
On TNT Sports commentary, Darren Fletcher waded into the debate and said: “We’re just watching those replays and in our opinion, the Burn one is worse than the one on Bruno Guimaraes. It doesn’t make us popular with the Newcastle fans but that’s what we’re seeing.”
Ally McCoist added: “No, but to follow that up, we don’t want either of them sent off.”
Get your NUFC Champions League special edition
Newcastle United’s Champions League campaign is about to get under away – and we’ll be there every step of the way. To mark the start of another season among Europe’s elite, we’ve produced a special 40-page souvenir edition ahead of the big kick-off.
Packed with features and in-depth analysis, it’s a must for any United fan as we eagerly anticipate the visit of Barcelona to St James’ Park. There is also be club-by-club profiles of every competitor in this year’s tournament and the path to the knockout rounds with a full list of match fixtures.
It is now on sale, priced £3.50, in selected independent retailers and supermarkets in Newcastle. It is also available to buy from our online store for home delivery, including worldwide shipping – postage and packaging applies.
Visit our online shop to order your copy now!
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