Fans debate referee decision to overturn Kieran Trippier’s dismissal for Kevin De Bruyne tackle

Social media is divided after referee Jarred Gillett overturned his decision to award Kieran Trippier a red card during Newcastle’s game with Manchester City on Sunday.

The English full-back scored a sublime goal from a free kick earlier in the game, as his strike, combined with goals from Miguel Almiron and Callum Wilson gave Eddie Howe’s team a shock lead after Ilkay Gundogan had opened the scoring for the away side.

Pep Guardiola’s side fought back though, and goals from Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva brought the game level midway into the second half.

However the decision was overturned as the home side clung on to secure a point at St James’ Park

Then, on 73 minutes and with Kevin De Bruyne leading a City counterattack, Trippier lunged in on the half-way line to bring the Belgian international down, eliciting a straight red card from Gillett.

However, after consulting with VAR, Gillett opted to rescind his original decision, and instead yellow-carded the former Tottenham defender.

In the aftermath of the incident, fans and pundits alike have taken to social media to share their views on whether Trippier should have been allowed to remain on the pitch following the foul.

Trippier will escape a ban for the challenge after his dismissal was overturned

Jamie Carragher wrote: ‘That Trippier tackle is going to be a red in the future. Its not a leg breaker, but why should a player be able to take someone out at knee height with no intention of winning the ball??’

@LFC4LIFENET wrote on Twitter: ‘Very surprised the Trippier ‘tackle’ was changed from red to a yellow’

Another supporter agreed, writing: ‘I simply don’t understand PL refereeing. That is a clear and uncontroversial red card. Trippier f***ing jumps and kicks him in the knee at full sprint on a counter, which is both dangerous and stops a promising attack. How is a yellow fair!?’

Jamie Carragher was among social media users debating the referee’s decision

A further user noted the potential for injury from Trippier’s challenge, and questioned why the dismissal was overturned: ‘Two feet off the ground and contact at the knee? There’s a hundred injuries you can cause in a player running at full sprint with contact in that fashion, I don’t get why it’s “not a red card” trippier should have been off.’

@LohanJohn questioned the referee’s decision based on prior instances of VAR involvement: ‘That tackle by Trippier was worse than Allan on ASM last year. Allan upgraded to red by VAR, this one the other way’

However, not all social media users believed that Trippier deserved to receive his marching orders based on the challenge.

Bristol Rovers boss Joey Barton hailed the referee’s decision: ‘Brilliant from the officials at SJP. Never a red card for Trippier. VAR used well.’

Another user agreed, writing: ‘Trippier’s tackle is never a Red card Good decision ref’

@Farrow14James applauded VAR’s role in overturning the initial decision: ‘Slate VAR all the time but that is one of the best uses of it in a long time. Never ever a red card for trippier’

@vibesmerchant agreed writing: ‘VAR worked properly there. Never a red card on Trippier.’

The referee’s decision to overturn his initial ruling means Trippier will escape a ban for his tackle during the game.

As a result, Trippier will be available for selection as Newcastle look to continue their unbeaten start to the season against Wolves on Sunday.