Ex-refs chief: Chris Kavanagh should be suspended over unseen Newcastle vs Wolves controversy
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Harri Burton
Mon 15 September 2025 16:00, UK
Howard Webb must remove Chris Kavanagh from officiating duty for the upcoming Premier League fixtures.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the experienced official missed a clear sending off between Newcastle United and Wolves.
Kavanagh was also slammed during Fulham’s draw with Man United before the international break, as Leny Yoro‘s controversial goal was allowed to stand despite a clear push on Calvin Bassey.
It has been a tough start to the season for Premier League officials, with several incidents being missed or the wrong decision being made, and the 40-year-old referee is facing yet more pressure.
Yerson Mosquera avoided a sending-off after dragging Harvey Barnes down in the 20th minute, having lost the Newcastle forward following a long ball over the top of the Old Gold’s defence.
The 24-year-old made clear contact with the winger, even catching him with a stray elbow, but the referee and VAR were completely unmoved by the incident, seeing the centre-back go unpunished.
Luckily for Eddie Howe‘s side, new signing Nick Woltemade scored the only goal in a 1-0 win, helping the Magpies to their first Premier League win in front of a packed-out St James’ Park on Saturday, 13 September.
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Despite securing all three points, the Newcastle staff still would have been fuming with the decision, much like Barnes, and Hackett was stunned by the decision not to send Mosquera off.
Hackett spoke exclusively to Football Insider about what kind of punishment he expects Kavanagh, and even the VAR officials, to receive ahead of the next round of Premier League fixtures.
“I’m quite clear that what should happen is that the referee, who is suffering a loss of form, should be warned that their officiating is not up to the right standard,” he said.
“They should not receive an appointment next week.
They should take some officiating advice from their coach because what let Kavanagh down is his position.
Kavanagh was caught out, and didn’t have a good viewing angle.”