Premier League release statement to explain why 'here we go' striker will miss Newcastle United game

Newcastle United will not face one of their former 2022 summer transfer targets after Joao Pedro got a straight red card for violent conduct.

The Brighton and Hove Albion forward, who almost signed for the Magpies three years ago, was given a red by referee Tim Robinson after he kicked out at Nathan Collins in the defeat to Brentford on Saturday. And as the incident was deemed violent, that means Pedro will automatically miss the next three games, pending any potential appeal.

Pedro walked down the tunnel, the decision was checked by VAR James Bell - but no error by Robinson was deemed to have taken place and the forward was left in the dressing-room. And the Premier League have released a statement explaining the call.

A statement read: "The referee’s call of red card to João Pedro was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the actions deemed as violent conduct."

Speaking after the game, manager Fabian Hürzeler said: "There are always tough moments in the season - we need everyone to stick together and show we are a big unit. I like the pressure, I will have to be the role model and we will find a solution (to finish the season strongly). I have to analyse it and then we have to find solutions."

Joao Pedro to Newcastle United transfer

In a different world, before Alexander Isak was even a thing at Newcastle United, Joao Pedro nearly was. The then Watford forward was on the move and Eddie Howe was known to be a huge fan of the versatile Brazilian forward. So much so, that Newcastle were edging towards signing the player in the summer of 2022.

However, a sliding doors moment then changed all of that. An injury to Callum Wilson left the Magpies short of serious front end options and while the thought had been to keep their powder dry financially, with PSR a very real ongoing issue, the Magpies bit and went all in for £63million Isak from Real Sociedad. As a result, any move for Pedro was shelved and he then popped up at Brighton, where he’s had a big impact on the south coast.

The Newcastle deal was so advance that social media transfer ‘guru’ Fabrizio Romano even gave it his famous ‘here we go’ treatment.