Premier League issue controversial official response after Newcastle United lodge Chelsea complaint
Newcastle United have received a response from the Premier League after the club issued an official complaint following the 2-2 draw with Chelsea.
The Premier League Key Match Incidents Panel have provided a verdict on an incident that saw Newcastle United complain to PGMOL.
Newcastle’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea at St James’ Park last month was marred in controversy following a denied penalty appeal from the home side.
The Magpies led 2-1 at the time when Anthony Gordon was brought down inside the area by Trevoh Chalobah, who didn’t touch the ball.
The Premier League Match Centre issued a statement explaining Andy Madley’s decision not to award a penalty and the subsequent VAR check that upheld the referee’s decision.
It read: “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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Eddie Howe slams VAR decision
Reacting to the decision that went against his team, Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe said straight after the game: “I thought the Anthony Gordon one was the standout one for me.
“I think anywhere else on the pitch, that's a blatant free kick. When it went to VAR and of course they check everything, I thought this was going to be overturned.
“It's a clear error because that's a clearer penalty, as I've seen. I think the defender only focuses on Ant. They've said it's shielding, but I don't agree with that analysis. I'm really disappointed that wasn't given.
“This one decision, I think, was wrong. I think that's where VAR really should intervene. Yeah, it's a difficult one to work out because seeing it live, I thought it was clear.”
NUFC issue complaint to PGMOL
Days later, Howe confirmed that the club had lodged an official complaint to the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) to seek clarity on why the decision was made an VAR did not intervene.
“We will be seeking clarification,” Howe said. “That call has already gone in, not from me personally, but from the club. We just want to know the thought process behind the decision.”
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Premier League Key Match Incidents Panel respond to Newcastle United decision
Despite Howe, Newcastle, several pundits and former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher all agreeing that a penalty should have been awarded, the Premier League Key Match Incidents Panel did not.
The KMI Panel is made up of five members, three former players or coaches and one representative each from the Premier League and PGMOL.
Regarding Chalobah’s challenge on Gordon, the majority of the KMI panel felt that Peter Bankes should have intervened on VAR following Peter Bankes’ on-field decision not to award a penalty.
However, three votes in favour of a penalty compared to two against from the KMI Panel meant a clear and obvious decision threshold could not be met and VAR was ultimately correct in upholding the on-field decision due to its contentious nature.
As per BBC Sport, those in favour of a penalty being awarded to Newcastle said: "Chalobah makes no challenge for the ball and makes reckless shoulder, hip and leg contact.”