Newcastle Request ‘Clarification’ Regarding Penalty Decision

Overview

Newcastle United is actively pursuing an explanation from the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) regarding a controversial penalty call in their recent match against Chelsea.

Incident Details

Head coach Eddie Howe expressed frustration over a rejected penalty during Newcastle’s 2-2 draw at St James’ Park. The incident involved Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah, who was accused of bringing down Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon in what Howe described as a “stonewall” penalty appeal.

• VAR Involvement: The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) upheld the original decision made by referee Andy Madley, deciding that Chalobah’s actions were part of a legal shielding maneuver with the ball within reachable distance.

Howe stated, “We have already reached out for clarification. We simply want to understand the rationale behind the decision.”

Match Dynamics

The match saw Newcastle leading 2-1 before Chelsea’s Joao Pedro leveled the score in the second half, following a misstep from defender Malick Thiaw.

This season, Newcastle has notably dropped 13 points from leading positions, the highest in the Premier League.

• Current Standing: The team currently ranks 11th in the league and has managed just one away victory. They are scheduled to face Manchester United on December 26.

Coach’s Reflection

Howe remains optimistic despite the challenges, stating, “I see the glass as half full. While opinions may vary, I believe we are making progress.”

He acknowledged the need for improvement, emphasizing that their capability to secure consistent victories remains crucial to their ambition for the season.