Former Premier League referee agrees with Eddie Howe over Newcastle United protest vs Nottingham Forest

The incident occurred in the sixth minute of Newcastle United’s 3-1 win at Nottingham Forest. Livramento was left with blood around his mouth but referee Anthony Taylor refused to stop play, resulting in Dan Burn fouling Morgan Gibbs-White and therefore ruling himself out of the next game against West Ham United after picking up his fifth booking of the campaign.

Speaking after the game, Magpies’ boss Eddie Howe said: “It’s very rare you see me run to the fourth official but I thought Tino had been elbowed in the face and it was a clear free-kick, wasn’t given and Dan paid the price for that really because he feels like he has to make the foul in that moment.

“We knew we were going to lose Dan at some stage and Fabby [Schar] and Joey [Joelinton] are in the same position so I’m probably pleased we’re not losing them all at the same time. It’s a huge blow to lose Dan, he’s done very well this season.”

Winter, who hails from Middlesbrough and refereed in the Premier League between 1995 and 2004, understands Howe’s frustration.

“With this one it has you thinking, when does VAR get involved?” Winter told Grosvenor Casino.

“The temperature in those few seconds after the incident went right through the roof, because there was another foul seconds later where I think the Newcastle players sought a little bit of retribution, and that was seen and given.

“As I understand it, VAR is supposed to be looking at all red card offences now. Was that a red card offence? I would say at the very least it was a yellow card.

“This is one of those where you’re thinking if it falls into the orange category, and are we re-refereeing the game? That's my frustration, what is and what isn't? And if the referees don't have it fully explained to them and aren’t aware, then what is going on? They should know, and the VAR.

“So, we just get this lack of consistency from one tackle one week to another tackle the other. With this example, it was almost in a previous phase of play.

“But Livramento has gone to the deck and there appears to be the use of an elbow. Somebody far how higher up the food chain than has decided it's not and we're all left scratching our heads. I think he was very fortunate.”