Exclusive: Ipswich’s Palmer wrongly bailed out v Newcastle as Bruno Guimaraes rages
Keith Hackett
3 – 4 minutes
Bruno Guimaraes, Alex Palmer, Ipswich Town, Newcastle United
Credit: USA Network / Getty Images
Keith Hackett
Sat 26 April 2025 16:50, UK
Alex Palmer was given the “benefit of the doubt” as Newcastle United saw a goal disallowed against Ipswich Town, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that he has seen tougher challenges go unpunished by referees, and that Michael Salisbury could have let the goal stand.
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Kieran McKenna‘s side faced an uphill battle of avoiding Premier League relegation at St James’ Park on Saturday, 26 April, and the Mapgies’ disallowed goal only seemed to delay the inevitable.
With Ben Johnson sent off for two yellow cards in the first half, the Tractor Boys were finally unlocked as Newcastle’s exit-linked star striker Alexander Isak took the lead from the penalty spot.
Alex Palmer of West Bromwich Albion looks on during the Sky Bet Championship match between Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion at Bet365 Stadium on…
Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty Images
Ipswich Town avoid early blow before Alexander Isak’s opener
Eddie Howe’s side had the chance to open the scoring after just 22 minutes, but Bruno Guimaraes was penalised for blocking the goalkeeper, who had come to clear the ball out of his six-yard area.
The incident has created a lot of controversy, with some believing that shot-stoppers are far too protected, and this was just another instance of exactly that, as Palmer avoided a moment of embarrassment.
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Hackett understood the frustration from Newcastle fans, suggesting that worse incidents have gone under the radar, and suggested that Guimaraes had a right to be angry about the decision.
Bruno Guimaraes punished as Alex Palmer avoids St James’ Park howler
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the disallowed goal, the former referee said:
“The Newcastle United player has turned his back slightly and looked towards the goalkeeper, and frankly, is not making an effort to play the ball and is more intent on blocking the goalkeeper.
“The referee has given the benefit of the doubt towards the goalkeeper. I have seen much tougher challenges go unpunished.”
However, after further review of the incident, Hackett said: “I have looked again at that Newcastle goal and I have to tell you, I would not have ruled it out. The goalkeeper could have done much better.”
Kieran McKenna’s side have been relegated from the Premier League. Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media
With Champions League qualification on the line, Newcastle supporters were desperate for a decision like this to go their way, but with relegation looming for Ipswich, it was just as important for it to go the other way.
Sadly, for the Tractor Boys, it was not enough to save them from the drop as relegation back to the Championship was sealed away from Portman Road.
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