PGMOL explain why Joelinton was not sent off for Newcastle vs Liverpool

The referee authorities have explained why Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton escaped a red card during a controversial Premier League clash against Liverpool.

A first-half flashpoint saw referee Anthony Taylor play an advantage with the Reds on the attack after Joelinton clearly pulled back home midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai.

However, once the passage of play broke down and Newcastle countered to win a corner, Taylor opted not to book the Brazil international despite the clear offence, much to the outrage of the home Anfield crowd and several Liverpool players.

PAUL GORST: What Eddie Howe said at full-time shows title statement Liverpool have just sent to Premier League

IAN DOYLE: Liverpool have new guaranteed starters after latest injury blow and Mohamed Salah exit

The apparent oversight was brought into sharper focus in the second half when the same player was booked for a foul on Ibrahima Konate.

However, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) contacted the ECHO after the game to explain why Joelinton escaped a caution for his foul on Szoboszlai.

Under Law 12 of the game regarding disciplinary action, it is stated: "If the referee plays the advantage for an offence for which a caution/sending-off would have been issued had play been stopped, this caution/sending-off must be issued when the ball is next out of play.

"However, if the offence was denying the opposing team an obvious goal-scoring opportunity, the player is cautioned for unsporting behaviour; if the offence was interfering with or stopping a promising attack, the player is not cautioned."

With Liverpool having continued their attack for a significant time after Joelinton's offence, it explains why he avoided censure.

Referee Taylor