Premier League official Dermot Gallagher has dismissed suggestions that Chelsea forward Kai Havertz should have been sent off for an elbow on Newcastle United defender Dan Burn.
Towards the end of the opening 45 minutes at Stamford Bridge, Havertz's elbow made contact with Burn, subsequently resulting in a caution for the Blues man and Burn receiving several minutes of treatment.
While Burn was disappointed that Havertz did not receive stronger punishment, Gallagher feels that the referee made the correct decision, feeling that the eventual match-winner did not go into the challenge with any "malice".
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Gallagher said: "I agree for a number of reasons. If you look at it, both players have their arms up, they both challenge for the ball towards each other and there is inevitably going to be a collision.
"The key for me is, when I was being taught to be a referee to judge an elbow with malice, there will be a clinched fist and they are going to force impact. If you look at Kai Havertz, he never clinches his fist. It's almost a flailing arm which does catch him, but I think it is a yellow card."
After the game, Havertz defended his attempt win an aerial ball with the taller opponent, while Magpies boss Eddie Howe said that he 'would not be shouting from the rooftops' after only a yellow card was handed out.
Darren Plant
