Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has backed Chris Kavanagh’s decision not to send off Joelinton for his challenge on Mohammed Kudus during the EFL Cup encounter between Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United.
The controversial moment occurred late in the game when Joelinton lunged in on Kudus, halting the Ghanaian’s driving run.
The tackle sparked an instant reaction from the Spurs midfielder, who shoved his opponent in frustration.
Kavanagh swiftly intervened, showing both players a yellow card, a decision that raised eyebrows among fans and pundits who felt Joelinton’s tackle warranted a harsher punishment.
Clattenburg, who has officiated at the UEFA Champions League and FIFA World Cup, later explained that the referee’s call was consistent with the rules.
“It does not feel fair that Joelinton, for his challenge, was given the same punishment as Mohammed Kudus. Joelinton’s challenge was certainly reckless and was a scissor action which tripped his opponent,” he told TR Football.
“To meet the criteria of a red card, however, there needs to be some force and malice used which this challenge lacked and therefore did not endanger the safety of his opponent. Nevertheless, it does not feel right that Kudus received the same punishment after being on the end of that tackle.”
Despite Kudus’ introduction in the second half, Tottenham failed to turn things around, bowing out of the competition after a 2–0 loss at St James’ Park.
