Anthony Gordon has waded into the Jacob Ramsey diving storm, posting a MASK emoji on Instagram and tagging his suspended team-mate after Newcastle’s win over Manchester United .
Ramsey was sent off at St James’ Park for simulation, adjudged by ref Peter Bankes to have gone down seeking a penalty when one on one with Senne Lammens . The midfielder was already on a yellow for pulling back Casemiro. Off he went.
But here’s the thing, Newcastle won anyway. Gordon scored from the spot minutes later. Will Osula bagged a 90th minute winner. And the banter? It’s already started.
THE INSTAGRAM POST
Gordon shared photos of himself from the game plus a video of his penalty . The caption began with a diving mask emoji, then tagged Ramsey’s account.
Ramsey’s response? Four face tears of joy emojis. He’s clearly not sulking.
The England under 21 international also commented on Osula’s post “Romans 8:18 Thank you Jesus Christ” with four red hearts . The mood in the camp? Surprisingly good for a team that played 50 minutes with 10 men.
HOWE’S DEFENCE
Eddie Howe stuck by his man afterwards, insisting Ramsey wasn’t trying to con the ref.
“I don’t think Jacob has gone down to simulate or mislead the referee in any way,” the gaffer said. “He’s maybe anticipating contact and loses his footing. I think you have to be really careful before changing the game like the referee did.”
LAMMENS’ VERDICT
United keeper Lammens saw it differently. “I didn’t feel any contact,” he told TNT Sports. “I don’t think it was a foul. He was looking for the contact, I was holding myself in, and I think the ref made the right decision.”
THE REF ROW
Former PGMO chief Keith Hackett has waded in and he’s backing Ramsey.
“I do not believe that the Newcastle United player has attempted to deceive the referee,” Hackett told Football Insider.
“In this situation, there is no contact by the goalkeeper, so the decision not to award a penalty kick is the correct decision. However, the attacker is off balance and goes to ground.
“His actions do not fulfil the criteria for an act of simulation, so he is very unfortunate to receive a yellow card followed by the red. Referee Peter Bankes has got this one wrong.”
THE BOTTOM LINE
Two former referees. Two different opinions. Welcome to Premier League officiating.
What’s not in dispute? Newcastle won. Ramsey’s suspended. And his team mates are taking the absolute piss.
Gordon’s mask emoji says it all. Ramsey laughing along says even more. Some things are too funny to get upset about.
