Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher says Crystal Palace midfielder Yohan Cabaye should have been issued a red card at Newcastle United.
The Frenchman was late on Magpies full-back DeAndre Yedlin in the first half at St James' Park.
It initially looked like he was would be sent off by official Stuart Atwell, but after a pause the referee gave Cabaye a booking.
Cabaye was already subject to a hostile reception at his former club and riled the natives with a reckless challenge.
Speaking to Sky Sports today, Gallagher, pictured above, would have been brandishing a red if he had been officiating.
"My first reaction was that this warranted a red card," he said.
"Ironically, I thought the referee's reaction was the same, seeing as he's run over so fast, put his hand to his top pocket and given the impression he's going to brandish a red.
"However, after the tackle there was a long delay, and I wonder if the referee ran the incident through his mind, noted that Cabaye didn't go whizzing through the air or go in two-footed so gave him the benefit of the doubt.
"My gut reaction was that it was a red card and Cabaye was very lucky to stay on the field."