Newcastle United defender DeAndre Yedlin has reportedly escaped punishment for a clash with Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud on Sunday, and many fans have taken to Twitter to express their agreement with the decision.
As reported by Sky Sports, an FA panel made up of three former elite referees unanimously decided that the incident did not require any retrospective action to be taken on the USA international, who was facing a potential ban.
Newcastle fans have been reacting to the news on Twitter, with many saying the same thing in agreeing that the FA had come to the correct decision on the incident.
Nothing but Newcastle have rounded up some of the best tweets:
https://twitter.com/Tommoore5/status/1034452562878099463
looked like nothing in real time from behind the goal. Alonso and Hazard were overreacting to every tiny thing all game so it just seemed like Giroud was joining in! #nufc #cfc
— Martin Welbourne (@rgsby) August 28, 2018
I think the fact Giroud was initially on the floor hands over face, then ‘breaks character’ when he heard a cheer, probably helped Yedlin’s case.
— The Toon Network (@TheToonNetwork) August 28, 2018
No mention of Morata putting his head into Schar/Fernandez (think Schar) midway through 2nd half. Right in front of us, ref didn't see it but had to separate them. Richarlison s/off for very similar. No mention by Sky et al because ….. he plays for a 'big club'. #usualbias
— Chris W 💙🇪🇺 (@Chris_Fac213) August 28, 2018
It went to the panel because Sky Sports made a big deal out of it as per usual our players get trialled by the southern media here
— Ghosted G (@g_ghosted) August 28, 2018
Have to disagree with you here, Mark. Clearly wasn’t an intentional elbow.
— Liam (@ldabbs89) August 28, 2018
Judging by the comments, I presume Chelsea fans think that #nufc are a team that are “looked after” by the FA?
— Liam (@ldabbs89) August 28, 2018
https://twitter.com/ClassyJoselu/status/1034461839655100416
Cause he did nothing wrong
— euan🌹🍋 (@euansoulsby) August 28, 2018
OPINION
These Newcastle fans seem pretty convinced that the FA has made the right decision, and putting any bias to one side, they are absolutely right. The USA international flyer did have his elbow raised in the clash with Giroud, but it was not an intentional action as he looked to burst away down the flank. The fact that Newcastle did go on to score from Yedlin’s cross likely put this incident further into the spotlight than it otherwise would have been, but the FA panel have most certainly reached the right decision on this one. Newcastle would have been in deep trouble should Yedlin have been charged, with a three-game ban likely and few reinforcements available at right-back. Luckily they will be able to move on with their season with Yedlin available ahead of a huge clash with defending champions Manchester City this Saturday. First though is a League Cup match against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday that is likely to see Rafa Benitez ring in the changes.
