Newcastle were left frustrated as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Chelsea on Saturday, with VAR deciding not to award a penalty to the Magpies for a foul on Anthony Gordon
Alan Shearer believes Newcastle should have been awarded a penalty against Chelsea(Image: Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Alan Shearer has criticised the video assistant referee’s (VAR’s) decision not to award Newcastle United a penalty during their 2-2 draw with Chelsea over the weekend. Chelsea travelled to St. James’ Park for an early kick-off against Eddie Howe’s Newcastle on Saturday afternoon in a match filled with drama.
Nick Woltemade scored the opening goal for the hosts just four minutes into the game, before doubling his tally midway through the first half. Despite hopes from the home crowd that their team could maintain their lead after a strong first half, it proved too much of a challenge.
Reece James reduced Newcastle’s lead shortly after the break with a free-kick, before Joao Pedro levelled the score 66 minutes into the match. The game ended that way, but it was not without incident.
Newcastle may feel aggrieved, as many fans believe they should have been awarded a penalty when Trevoh Chalobah appeared to bring down Anthony Gordon in his own box. Replays showed the Chelsea defender making no contact with the ball as Gordon fell to the ground following a shoulder-to-shoulder challenge.
READ MORE: Eddie Howe hits out at referee and VAR following Newcastle controversy vs ChelseaREAD MORE: Newcastle given instant ‘stonewall’ penalty verdict after controversy in Chelsea clash
Referee Andy Madley did not deem it worthy of a penalty, and VAR concurred with his decision. However, Newcastle legend Shearer viewed the situation entirely differently.
On the latest episode of The Rest Is Football, he declared: “I mean the penalty decision that they never got was absolutely ridiculous, honestly.” Gary Lineker then added: “It was a penalty, it was, I mean he [Chalobah] just rammed [Gordon] him straight off, didn’t he?”
Shearer replied: “Yeah, even the tweet the Premier League put out, and I know it’s what VAR are telling them, but to say he was shielding the ball. Rubbish! Shielding the ball?
“It was like as clear a foul as you’re ever going to see. I’d love to know, you’ve got three professionals, you’ve got the referee on the pitch and you’ve got two VAR are looking at that, slowing it down, and thinking, ‘Yeah, that’s alright, wasn’t a foul.'”.
Fans think Anthony Gordon should have seen a penalty against Chelsea(Image: Newcastle United via Getty Images)
The former striker wasn’t alone in believing it should have been a spot-kick. Ally McCoist could be heard during live coverage saying: “I think it’s a penalty, I really do.
“I think he’s trying to usher him out but he takes him out. It’s a penalty, as simple as that. It’s a stonewall penalty. I’m staggered at that.”
Meanwhile, Joe Cole explained: “Too much aggression. I think we’ll be hearing from Eddie Howe after the game.”
Howe eventually voiced his opinion after the final whistle, saying: “Yeah, I thought it was a stonewall penalty. I thought the defender went in with too much aggression. I think anywhere else on the pitch that’s a free-kick, so I’m really disappointed it wasn’t given.”
The Premier League Match Centre later provided clarity on why no penalty was awarded, posting on X: “The referee’s call of no penalty to Newcastle was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the contact from Chalobah on Gordon deemed to be side-to-side in a shielding action and the ball within playing distance.”
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