By Keith Hackett

18th May, 2023 | 8:30am

Ex-Premier League referee issues Newcastle ban verdict as 'dangerous' Bruno Guimaraes footage analysed

Keith Hackett has claimed Leeds United’s Junior Firpo should have been shown a straight red card for his “dangerous” challenge on Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes during the 2-2 draw on Saturday (13 May).

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee accused the Whites star, 26, of “launching himself” towards Guimaraes.

As seen on BBC’s Match of the Day (06:19, 13 May), Firpo jumped into a challenge on Guimaraes in the middle of the pitch with the game finely poised at 1-1 – making a small amount of contact with the Newcastle star’s ankle.

Referee Simon Hooper was quick to give the left-back a yellow card, with VAR official Neil Swarbrick checking the incident and finding no clear and obvious error in that decision.

Firpo was eventually shown a straight red card for a separate incident in injury time to cap off a day to forget – during which he also conceded a penalty.

The game, which was crucial for both sides in terms of Premier League survival and Champions League qualification, ended 2-2 with three penalties awarded in total.

Hackett told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “The challenge was closer to a red than a yellow.

“Generally, I thought Simon Hooper had a good game. He’s found a bit of form and has been refereeing well.

“But on this occasion, I think Firpo should have been sent off.

“He’s launched himself off the floor with one foot high in the air. I can see a reason to give a red card there – it’s dangerous.”

In other news, Newcastle United plotting to sign Man City sensation.