Jenas red card reduced to yellow
Newcastle midfielder Jermaine Jenas has had the red card he received at Arsenal yesterday downgraded to a yellow after match referee Steve Bennett reviewed his controversial decision.
The Kent official dismissed the 22-year-old for a robust tackle on Gilberto 32 minutes into the game, justifying his actions on the grounds of “excessive force”, although television replays showed that the England international had made significant contact with the ball and only caught the Brazilian as his trailing leg followed through.
Furious Magpies boss Graeme Souness refused to speak to the media after the game as he fought to contain his anger, and Mr Bennett’s rethink was confirmed today.
“Steve Bennett has been in touch via letter with manager Graeme Souness, Jermaine Jenas and the rest of the squad to apologise for his error of judgement during Sunday’s game against Arsenal,” said a statement released through Newcastle’s official website, www.nufc.co.uk.
“He has requested that the Football Association downgrade the dismissal to a yellow card and this has been confirmed by the FA.”
The decision will vindicate Souness’ stance, but will come as little consolation after his 10 men battled manfully until the 81st minute before Bennett added a dubious penalty award to his earlier error to pave the way for the Gunners’ 2-0 victory.
Newcastle have had their fair share of misfortune with the same official in recent times and were left counting the cost twice last season.
It was Bennett who failed to spot Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink handling as he bundled an injury-time equaliser into the net at Middlesbrough on the opening day of last season, and he who allowed Ashley Cole’s blatant handball in the area to go unpunished as the Magpies lost 1-0 to Arsenal at St James’ on December 29 last year.
Jenas would have faced a three-match ban had his sending off stood, keeping him out of the trip to Bolton next Wednesday night and the home games against Manchester United and Fulham.
With his future on Tyneside uncertain amid speculation that he could leave before the transfer window closes at the end of this month, his 32 minutes at Highbury could have been his last in a black and white shirt.
