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Ex-ref Gallagher insists Chelsea attacker Havertz only deserved yellow card

Former Premier League ref Dermot Gallagher insists the decision to show only a yellow card to Chelsea attacker Kai Havertz for his clash with Newcastle defender Dan Burn was the right decision.

The German forward was booked by David Coote in the first half of yesterday's match after catching the Newcastle defender with his elbow.

Discussing the matter on Sky Sports News' Ref Watch show this morning, Gallagher said the German's challenge lacked 'malice'.

"Both players arms are up, both are challenging for the ball as they go towards each other. Inevitably, there is going to be a collision.

"The key for me, and it's what I was taught as a referee: if someone is throwing an elbow in malice, they're going to clench their fist and force impact.

"If you look at Kai Havertz, he never clenches his fist. It's almost a flailing arm. He does catch him, but I think it's a yellow card."

Havertz went on to score the only goal of the game with just one minute remaining.

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