Premier League issue Newcastle United statement after Hull City incident
Newcastle United v Hull City: The Magpies missed a golden opportunity to make it 3-0 at St James’ Park on Saturday afternoon.
Yoane Wissa missed a penalty for Newcastle United on the stroke of half-time as they went in 2-0 up at the break against Hull City at St James’ Park.
Goals from Joe Willock and Lewis Hall saw United race into a 2-0 lead inside the opening seven minutes. They were then given a great opportunity to make it 3-0 after Jacob Murphy was pulled down inside the box by Sorba Thomas.
Referee Tony Harrington quickly pointed to the penalty spot before a VAR check confirmed the decision.
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Wissa stepped up to take the spot kick but saw his effort tipped around the post by Hull goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis to keep the score at 2-0.
The Premier League’s Match Centre then released a short statement explaining the decision to award Newcastle the penalty despite minimal contact on Murphy, who tried to stay on his feet.
The statement read: “The referee’s call of penalty to Newcastle for the challenge by Thomas on Murphy was checked and confirmed by VAR. REF: “On-field decision is penalty. Sorba Thomas grabs the foot – penalty kick”. VAR: “There’s a small grab of the foot. He does make contact with his hand on his foot, which has impact.”