MU fans were extremely angry when Newcastle star escaped an unbelievable red card.

Manchester United endured a painful 1-2 loss against Newcastle, yet dispute flared as Joelinton avoided a red card even after mockingly clapping at the official, causing coach Michael Carrick and supporters to rage.

Newcastle secured a narrow 2-1 victory thanks to a stunning goal from Will Osula in the dying minutes, thereby defeating Manchester United despite playing with ten men. Earlier, Jacob Ramsey was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for simulation late in the first half. The referee judged that the player had deliberately dived after going past Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

However, just minutes before that incident, another Newcastle player should also have been dismissed. Joelinton, the “heart” of the home side’s midfield, sarcastically applauded referee Peter Bankes’ decision. According to Premier League rules, such behavior automatically warrants a yellow card. Since the Brazilian midfielder had already been cautioned, he could well have been sent off earlier, leaving Newcastle with ten men from the first half itself.

On the touchline, interim manager Michael Carrick showed clear anger as he watched his team suffer a setback right in his hometown stadium. Carrick repeatedly protested to the fourth official, arguing that Joelinton deserved a red card for his mocking applause. However, referee Bankes issued no sanction.

At that moment, Bankes was making notes in his book, and VAR could not intervene in yellow-card incidents. Thus, the 29-year-old midfielder avoided the risk of being sent off.

Not only that, Joelinton even became Newcastle’s hero. After tirelessly covering every blade of grass at St James’ Park, he was awarded the Man of the Match title by TNT Sports.

Carrick wasn’t the only one feeling discontent. On social media, many fans also sided with the Manchester United manager.

One fan wrote: “Actually, both Joelinton and Dan Burn also deserved red cards.”

Another commented: “Joelinton should have been sent off for the applause – that’s usually a definite yellow. And the red card in the match was too harsh. The refereeing was terrible.”

A more critical opinion stated: “A dreadful performance. This is the worst refereeing I’ve ever seen. Burn deliberately elbowed, Joelinton sarcastically clapped, and there should have been three red cards.”

This win lifts Newcastle to 11th place in the Premier League table, now just one point behind local rivals Sunderland ahead of their clash later this month.

Meanwhile, Manchester United remain in third place, partly due to Aston Villa’s 1-4 loss to Chelsea, who now trail the “Red Devils” by only three points.