Former top referee rules on these controversial Bournemouth v Newcastle incidents | OneFootball

Dermot Gallagher reviews controversial decisions in the Premier League after each round of games, on behalf of Sky Sports.

The former top referee has now given his call on these incidents in the Bournemouth v Newcastle match.

Dermot Gallagher looking at what happened during key moments in this match at the Vitality Stadium.

Newcastle United and Bournemouth playing out a dull stalemate but if decisions by the referee and/or VAR had been different, could the end result of the match have been different?

Dermot Gallagher talking to Sky Sports about these Bournemouth v Newcastle controversial incidents:

Newcastle defender Malick Thiaw had already a very soft yellow for a handball, when a free-kick was awarded when he was deemed to have fouled Bournemouth’s Ryan Christie. Bournemouth wanting another yellow card (and red) for Thiaw but cards staying in the referee’s pocket this time.

“It is ironic as I talk all the time about being mindful that not every foul after a yellow card is a second yellow card, but I actually do think this is a second yellow card – it is cynical, he knows exactly what he is doing and further evidence of that was his manager [Eddie Howe] immediately substituted him.”

(For me, no way Malick Thiaw deserved a second yellow for that. Especially when he should have never got his first yellow for a handball decision near the halfway line, right next to the edge of the pitch.)

Newcastle’s penalty appeals are turned down when Nick Woltemade falls to the grounds in the penalty area, clearly has his shirt pulled back for a period of seconds by Bournemouth’s Bafode Diakite.

DERMOT GALLAGHER:

“Is there enough to go down like that?”

FORMER PLAYER JAY BOTHROYD ON SKY SPORTS:

“If he [Nick Woltemade] was smaller, would you give him the benefit of the doubt?

“I would want it if I was playing but can understand why you would say it would be soft.

“When there are situations with taller players, they always say ‘he should be stronger, look how big he is’. But a foul is a foul. Pulling a shirt is pulling a shirt.

“If the ref did give a penalty, people might be surprised but would say, ‘I understand why he’s given it’. You’ve seen penalties given for things like that.”

(For me, I think the big frustration here is that you just know that ‘certain’ other clubs would have got a penalty for sure. The defender clearly prevents Woltemade getting to the ball by pulling his shirt back for a prolonged period, not just a split second and then letting go.)

Bournemouth 0 Newcastle 0 – Sunday 21 September 2025 2pm

(Stats via BBC Sport)

Goals:

Newcastle United:

Bournemouth:

Possession was Newcastle 44% Bournemouth 56%

Total shots were Newcastle 4 Bournemouth 11

Shots on target were Newcastle 1 Bournemouth 2

Corners were Newcastle 2 Bournemouth 5

Touches in the box Newcastle 18 Bournemouth 16

Newcastle team v Bournemouth:

Pope, Livramento, Thiaw (Lascelles 84), Botman, Burn, Hall, Tonali, Miley, Willock (Barnes 62), Woltemade (Osula 84), Murphy (Elandga 62)

Unused subs:

Ramsdale, Trippier, Joelinton, Krafth, Bruno

(Bournemouth 0 Newcastle 0 – Instant Newcastle United fan/writer reaction – Read HERE)

(Bournemouth 0 Newcastle 0 – A great point and (defensive!) performance from United – Read HERE)

Newcastle United fixtures definitely confirmed dates and times (All of the Champions League matches will also be available to watch on TV in the UK):

Wednesday 24 September – Newcastle v Bradford (7.45pm) Sky Sports+

Sunday 28 September– Newcastle v Arsenal (4.30pm) Sky Sports