Premier League issue statement during Newcastle United v Burnley after VAR intervention

The Premier League have released a statement after VAR intervened during the first-half of Newcastle United’s clash with Burnley to award the hosts a penalty.

Newcastle United came into the clash with Burnley having won two of their last three in the league, with Tuesday night’s draw against Tottenham Hotspur the only blemish on their league record since returning from the international break.

A game against the team sat second-from-bottom in the table and without a single point in their last five outings seemed like the ideal opportunity for Eddie Howe’s side to banish the demons from that late draw against Spurs in midweek. However, a slow start allowed their visitors to gain some momentum and a number of dangerous set-pieces threatened Aaron Ramsdale’s goal.

It would be the hosts, though, that would take advantage of a dead ball situation as Bruno Guimaraes added yet another exquisite goal to his collection as he scored direct from a corner. That goal just settled a few nerves on Tyneside before any doubts of a possible Burnley first-half fightback were completely extinguished when Lucas Pires was sent off for fouling Anthony Elanga.

Elanga had been sent through on goal but was clipped by the Clarets man just outside of the box. Referee Stuart Attwell had no hesitation in showing Pires a straight red card with VAR taking little time to concur with the official’s decision.

The technology was required for a more thorough check just a few minutes later, though, when Lesley Ugochukwu handled the ball in the box. It was Anthony Gordon’s cross, aimed at Nick Woltemade, that Ugochukwu deflected with his arm.

Initially, Atwell didn’t point to the spot and play was allowed to continue. However, at the next break in play he was instructed to check the incident on the pitchside monitor.

Much to the delight of 50,000 in attendance, Attwell pointed to the spot. Gordon stepped up, as he did on Tuesday night, to dispatch his effort past Martin Dubravka.

Premier League release VAR statement

As ever, the Premier League Match Centre have revealed the reasons why Newcastle United were awarded that penalty on the stroke of half-time. They wrote on X: ‘#NEWBUR – 45+5’ VAR OVERTURN. After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of no penalty to Newcastle. Referee announcement: “After review, Burnley No.8 handles the ball. His arms are in an unnatural position - my final decision is penalty kick.”’

Newcastle United’s two-goal lead at the break, whilst not guaranteeing victory, put them in a brilliant position and one that could allow Howe to rest and rotate during the second half ahead of a crunch week of games against Bayer Leverkusen and Sunderland to come. Yoane Wissa was named on the bench for the first time since his move from Brentford on deadline day after recovering from a knee injury.

Wissa’s appearance on the teamsheet was a major boost for the Magpies - although it may be a while until he makes his first start for the club.

Your next Newcastle United read: ‘Very difficult’ - Newcastle United star makes honest injury admission after ‘frustrating’ 3-game blow