“That should have been a red card, He’s caught him on the thigh, I’m not sure what VAR does”- Dean Smith blasts poor officiating as he says Newcastle star should have been sent off for reckless challenge

Leicester City manager Dean Smith was quick to criticise Bruno Guimaraes in his post-match interview after draw with Newcastle United at St James’ Park

Before he’d even acknowledge the fact that his side just picked up a point at St James’ Park tonight, Dean Smith wanted to say his piece about Bruno Guimaraes‘ challenge on Boubakary Soumare in the ninth minute that earned the Brazilian a yellow card.

It was a high boot for sure, but it was a genuine attempt for the ball by Newcastle‘s number 39, however Bruno’s foot made solid contact with Soumare’s thigh and in a slowed-down replay it did look quite nasty.

Andy Hinchliffe on co-commentator duty for Sky Sports was seemingly very convinced it was a red card, even trying to suggest that Bruno leaned into the challenge making it worse, when he was clearly trying to pull out of the tackle.

It seems as though Dean Smith saw the same footage as Hinchliffe as he too thought it was a red card saying in his post-match interview with Sky Sports:

“I do feel there may have been a red card early in the game. I thought it was a really poor challenge from Bruno, he’s caught him on the thigh. I’m not sure what VAR does or sees there, because from what we have seen so far throughout this season I think that should have been a red card many times.”