Lewis given ‘harshest red card in history’ after taking too long to take throw
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Jamal Lewis was given the 'harshest red card in history' after the Northern Ireland full-back was adjudged to have taken too long over a throw-in.
The Newcastle star was handed a second yellow by Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic in the 37th minute for time-wasting.
With the scores locked at 0-0, Lewis went to take a throw but the noise around the Stade de Geneve grew as the defender took his time to find a teammate.
As a few seconds dragged on, the referee lost his patience and blew his whistle before brandishing a yellow card.
And after already receiving a booking, it meant that the red card had to come out despite the loud protests from the Northern Irish players.
But the decision was made and Lewis had to walk, leaving Ian Baraclough's men with little chance of landing a blow on the Swiss.
They went on to concede twice in a 2-0 loss after goals from Steven Zuber and Christian Fassnacht all but ended their chances of qualifying for the World Cup next year in Qatar.
And Northern Ireland boss Baraclough was incandescent with rage afterwards, saying: "I think it is a diabolical decision. The referee has not realised he booked him earlier on.
"The first time he has asked him to hurry up, he brings out a red card.
"I think he has forgotten he hasn't spoken to Jamal once. He realises he has booked him and he can't go back on his decision."
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And fans were in agreement, with one saying: “Jamal Lewis red card is one of the most harshest things I have seen in recent times in football.”
Another tweeted: “There have been some harsh red cards in football but that one for Jamal Lewis is beyond scandalous.
“The referee has ruined the game and why…. So he can watch attack vs defense? Bizarre.”
While a third fan wrote: “Disgraceful decision to send off Jamal Lewis, absolutely vile 'look at me' refereeing.”
- Newcastle United FC
- World Cup
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