Merson, Mike Dean destroy Ipswich's 'stupid' Ben Johnson after Newcastle 'shocker'

26/04/2025 13:22

Ben Johnson received plenty of criticism on Sky Sports after a set of “stupid” decisions during Ipswich Town’s defeat to Newcastle United.

Kieran McKenna‘s side finally had their relegation back to the Championship confirmed on Saturday, 26 April, as the Tractor Boys suffered a 3-0 loss at St James’ Park.

Alexander Isak, Dan Burn, and William Osula were all on the scoresheet in what was a simple victory over a relegation-threatened side, though it was certainly made a lot easier thanks to Johnson.

Johnson was rightly sent off for his “unsporting behaviour” according to ex-PGMOL boss Keith Hackett, but with two separate incidents to dissect, the former West Ham man has stolen to spotlight.

The 25-year-old picked up his first caution after appearing to dive over Burn’s extended leg, with Michael Salisbury quickly dishing out the yellow card, and he was walking a tightrope after just 30 minutes.

Being sent off just seven minutes later, both Paul Merson and Mike Dean felt zero sympathy for the experienced full-back, who dealt his team a heavy blow in their quest for Premier League survival.

Ben Johnson ripped to shreds after Newcastle United v Ipswich Town shocker

Speaking live on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday (26 April, 3:31pm), Merson said: “Johnson’s just been booked. He’s got through, and he’s one-on-one with Burn.

“He goes round Burn on the edge of the box, and Burn just sticks his foot out. But he just dives over it, and the ref gives a yellow card. Yeah, it’s a shocker, absolutely. He’s got to stay on his feet.”

Then after the second moments later: “It’s to Johnson, for diving in about five minutes ago when he goes past Burn, and he’s just fouled Isak and he’s been yellow-carded. Second yellow card and he’s off, unbelievable.

“It is a yellow card offence, but the first one is the one that will do the manager’s head in, when he goes past Burn and he falls over, so down to 10, game over.”

Former Premier League referee Mike Dean then confirmed the red card was inevitable, dubbing the first yellow “stupid” while the second one was “madness”.

Ipswich Town sent back down to the Championship with Leicester City

Ipswich put up a much better fight than Leicester City to remain in the division this season, with Ruud van Nistelrooy‘s side only just reaching 11 points with four matches left to play.

Relegation out of the Premier League could, of course, have dire effects at Portman Road, especially if Kieran McKenna is tempted to leave Ipswich for a club back in the top tier of English football.

Liam Delap is also likely to leave Ipswich, with a number of Premier League clubs keeping an eye on his release clause, but the rest of the squad is certainly what many would call ‘Championship-quality’.

Despite an incredibly courageous attempt at staying in the division, it could be a very difficult summer transfer window for the Tractor Boys, who are likely to lose all their best players before next season.

While Johnson’s red card is just one small moment in Ipswich’s relegation, it might take a while for supporters to get over his awful decision-making at St James’ Park, and he should know better.

Merson and Dean are absolutely right when it comes to their thoughts on the two incidents, but now is the team to stick together and get through the final four matches.

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