In the round of 16 of the EFL Cup clash between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur on October 30, 2025, at St. James’ Park got heated in the dying minute after a clash between Spurs’ right winger Mohammed Kudus and Newcastle’s left winger Joelinton, leaving fans furious and social media buzzing.
In the 85th minute, what should have been a tactical foul, the Brazilian winger Joelinton went with a flying two-footed scissors challenge on the Spurs winger Kudus. However, luckily, the Ghanaian international who came from the bench, replacing Brennon Johnson in the 65th minute, was fortunately uninjured. Joelinton also entered the field in the 71st minute for Joe Willock after the Magpies were leading by 2-0.
Kudus getting the same punishment as Joelinton for this is certainly a decision pic.twitter.com/XLjV6lxqeS
— Kieran (@thfckieran22) October 29, 2025
Immediately after the challenge, the Spurs winger jumped to his feet and started pushing the Brazilian off him as he was still above Kudus after the reckless tackle. Both players pushed each other in a brief but heated altercation, which was stopped by the referee and the players.
It came as a surprise when both players were punished with a yellow card, a decision which many fans believed was unfair to the Ghanaian winger as he was at the receiving end of a dangerous challenge. Many fans took to social media and sided with the Spurs player and believed the tackle was unnecessary, as the game was already done.
Here are some reactions:
“Not even surprised, I think if he were to stab a player on the pitch would still only get a yellow,” one fan posted.
“For me 2 yellow card for Joelinton and then red card at the end,” another fan posted.
‘How he always gets away with this Fouls him and Guimaress still shocks me,” a fan stated.
“It should have been a straight red for Joelinton”, claimed another.
“Joelinton got the yellow for the foul, Kudus for the reaction lashing out on Joelinton. What’s the problem here?” stated another fan.
Despite the heated drama, Newcastle maintained their lead with 2-0 and came out on top, advancing to the next stage of the EFL Cup. A towering header from centre half Fabian Schar (24’) through a corner kick and a chicky-headed tap-in by the striker Nick Woltemade (50’) sealed the win for the Magpies.
The match statistics reflected Tottenham’s dominance on the pitch, but they failed to capitalise on possession 53% to Newcastle’s 47%. While Spurs also led in shots on target (6 to 3) and duels won (55% to 45%), but failed to convert their chances into goals.
