We’re not Brasil we’re Tuaisceart Éireann

Here's a high-level referee echoing exactly what I said re: Lewis and the coaching errors from NI. I suppose Keith Hackett's "only saying this because it's Northern Ireland".

http://www.google.com/amp/s/www.footballinsider247.com/hackett-newcastle-united-star-lewis-deserves-ban-as-rare-controversial-footage-emerges/%3famp

Newcastle United star Jamal Lewis deserved to be sent off in Northern Ireland’s 1-0 loss to Switzerland, according to Keith Hackett.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-FIFA and Premier League referee delivered his verdict after Northern Ireland boss Ian Baraclough labelled the decision “diabolical”.

Lewis was shown a second yellow for time-wasting after he delayed taking a throw-in in the first half.

The game was goalless at the time and Northern Ireland went on to lose the crucial World Cup qualifier 1-0.

He will now miss the game away to Bulgaria tomorrow (October 12) but it now looks increasingly unlikely they will make next year’s tournament in Qatar.

Asked for his verdict on the incident, Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “I think the referee did everything possible to get that throw-in taken quickly.

“The referee’s body language was ‘Come on, get on with it’. The referee had exhausted his patience, the player took far too long.

“If you’re the Northern Ireland manager you’re not going to have him taking throw-ins when he returns from his ban, unless somebody gives him a bit of coaching advice.

“It’s a rare occurrence for a player to get a second yellow in a time-wasting scenario but that’s the laws of the game. I’m not going to be critical of the referee in any way, shape or form, he’s done his job.

“The player has to respond to the management process of the referee in a more positive manner. It’s sent a message to other players ‘Hey, this can happen’.”