Ex-refs chief: West Ham star 'fortunate' not to be sent off after Newcastle United altercation

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Credit: Imago / Sky Sports Premier League Tomas Soucek ‘fortunate’ not to see red in Bruno Guimaraes altercation vs Newcastle United – Ex-refs chief Mon 18 May 2026 13:00, UK Tomas Soucek was lucky to remain on the pitch during West Ham United‘s 3-1 defeat to Newcastle United on Sunday.That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that Bruno Guimaraes was well within his rights to react angrily to the incident on 17 May.In the 59th minute, West Ham’s No.28 bundled his midfield opposition to the ground before kicking out at the Brazilian, sparking a confrontation between the two near the sidelines.Guimaraes avoided a caution for his reaction, with some suggesting that Soucek deserved a worse punishment, but it had no overall impact on the result as West Ham slipped closer to the relegation zone. ⚽West Ham United Matchday⚽ Team news, line-ups, expert previews and tactical analysis for every West Ham fixture. VISIT THE WEST HAM MATCH HUB Tomas Soucek and Bruno Guimaraes go toe-to-toeSpeaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “There is no doubt that, while there was no force, Soucek, after committing a reckless challenge, which was a yellow card in itself, kicked out.

I think he’s fortunate. “The outcome was the right one – a yellow card.

Tomas SoucekvsBruno Guimaraes4Tackles567% (6/9)Ground duels won52% (12/23)1Fouls won51Fouls committed5Stats, as per FotMob“I’d do exactly what Jarred Gillett did, and VAR were right not to get involved, just seeing it as something that happens in football.” Soucek’s future could be over at West HamThe Hammers have just one game remaining. A clash against Leeds United is all that stands between survival and relegation, with Tottenham likely to gain one point against Chelsea and Everton.Football Insider understands that West Ham are open to the sale of Soucek at the end of the season, possibly bringing an end to his six years at the London Stadium.David Moyes has already been linked with a reunion.