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Raul Jimenez sent off for reckless karate-style jump as Newcastle star gets wiped out
Fulham went down to 10 men after Raul Jimenez was sent off early into their match against Newcastle.
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Fulham striker Raul Jimenez was sent off for a karate-style foul as he flew through the air before colliding with Sean Longstaff in his side's trip to Newcastle on Saturday. Marco Silva's team had been in fine form but found themselves a man down at St James' Park in what could be a long afternoon for Jimenez's team-mates.
Jimenez had attempted to block a clearance, but jumped high and caught Longstaff in the face with his body as he hurled through the air. The referee initially awarded a yellow card, before VAR upgraded it to a red.
The Mexico striker had been involved in another incident just moments before he collided with Longstaff, having argued with Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles. BBC pundit Dion Dublin claimed that Jimenez was "angry" and the previous clash played a part in his sending off.
"There was an incident before between Jimenez and Lascelles and I think that was still in his mind. He'd stored it and was stewing on it," he told Final Score.
"That's what centre forwards are like. He's still angry, thinking what can I do [to get even]? I don't know why he has challenged like that. Red mist descends, hits Longstaff in the face. It's a red card, correct decision."
Jimenez had been in impressive form going into the match, having scored three goals in his previous two Premier League matches. However, once VAR assistant Michael Salisbury called referee Sam Barrott over to the screen he was left with no option but to upgrade to a red card.
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Jimenez led with his boot and although he did pull his leg back once the ball had gone beyond him, the reckless nature and sheer force of the collision ensured that the Fulham star had to be sent off for dangerous play.
Newcastle benefitted from the decision but the game had not been full of positives for them, as centre-back Fabian Schar was forced off the pitch to add to their mounting injury crisis.
Sven Botman upped his comeback and was named on the bench, but Schar was replaced by Emil Krafth instead alongside Lascelles. Eddie Howe will hope that the Swiss defender does not face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Joelinton also pulled with a hamstring problem and had to be replaced in the first half in worrying news for the Magpies. He was replaced by young hot-shot Lewis Miley.