Newcastle United forward Anthony Elanga was stretchered off the field following a contentious tackle by Valencia captain José Gayà during a pre-season friendly at the Mestalla Stadium on Saturday evening. The incident occurred in the 35th minute when Gayà launched a late and forceful challenge on Elanga, who immediately appeared injured.

The challenge took place directly in front of the Newcastle bench, prompting several substitutes—led by Yoane Wissa—to enter the pitch in protest. This escalated into a large confrontation involving around 30 players from both teams. The referee, José María Sánchez Martínez, promptly issued a red card to Gayà for the foul.

Newcastle’s new head coach, Matthias Jaissle, who was overseeing his first match in charge, was also vocally critical of the officiating. Earlier in the game, Jaissle had argued with a referee’s assistant after the disallowance of an Elanga goal for offside and a decision not to award a penalty for a foul on Newcastle’s William Osula. During the melee, Jaissle again approached the same official to express his dissatisfaction.

After receiving medical attention on the field, Elanga was removed on a stretcher with visible distress, holding his head in his hands. However, he was later seen walking and appeared to have avoided serious injury. The incident overshadowed the opening game under Jaissle, who was noted for his animated presence on the touchline, dressed in a white shirt and blue trousers—a departure from the club tracksuit routine of his predecessor, Eddie Howe.

The match served as a turbulent start to Jaissle’s tenure at Newcastle amid intense scrutiny over the refereeing and Elanga’s injury. Further updates on the forward’s condition are awaited following the match.