‘Staggering’ VAR decision in Newcastle-Chelsea draw leaves Eddie Howe, Ally McCoist baffled – ‘It’s a clear penalty’

Chelsea’s morale was lifted immediately after, but Newcastle looked to hit back quickly with some attacking play of their own, and Gordon had the chance to follow a ball into the box, on the right of the area.

Before he could make an effort to cross or shoot with the ball, Chelsea defender Chalobah raced across in an attempt to snuff out the danger, and shoulder-charged Gordon with a hefty challenge, sending the England international flying.

On the sidelines, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, and many of the club’s supporters, appealed for a penalty, as did some players on the home side.

However, referee Andy Madley turned down the appeals, and VAR officials did not invite him to take another look.

Woltemade guides in ‘brilliant’ Gordon cross to double Newcastle’s lead

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Former Rangers striker McCoist, though, was certain that a spot-kick should have been awarded as a result of the contact.

He said: “Wow. I think it’s a pen. I think it’s a penalty, I really do. I think he’s trying to usher it out, but I think he takes the player.

“It’s a penalty, simple as. Not even close, that’s a penalty. Staggering.”

Joe Cole, who used to play for Chelsea as a winger, was similarly surprised, and like McCoist, he agreed that Chalobah had been attempting to guide the ball out of play, but had gone over the top in his efforts to quell any threat from his opponents.

“I think Trevoh is a very, very lucky boy there,” he began. “I understand what he wants. He’s in charge of the situation, he just wants to get his body.

“Because of the tempo of the game, the aggression, he doesn’t need to go in with that kind of force. I think Chelsea have got away with one there.”

McCoist reflected once more, and was still unable to accept that the referee had made the correct decision after the two players made contact in the penalty area.

He added: “It’s a stonewall penalty. By the way if he puts his foot in front and tries to protect the ball, that’s a different matter. But he takes the player. It’s a penalty.

“I’m staggered at that.”

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After Chelsea had levelled the contest through Joao Pedro, the significance of the decision not to award Newcastle the earlier spot-kick was brought into even sharper focus as a turning point.

When the explanation was put to McCoist, the Scot reiterated his position: “I don’t think there’s any doubt. It’s not side-to-side. He takes him out with his body. He’s shielding the ball if he doesn’t touch the player.”

Joe Cole added: “I think this is a prime example of where the laws of the game aren’t quite in line with what ex-players would know. Me and Coisty both looked at that and know Chalobah isn’t shielding it there.

“He’s gone in with too much force, and he’s given the referee to make. I thought Trevoh was lucky to get away with that one.”

‘It’s a clear penalty’ – Howe, Crouch and Cole united in verdict

Crouch, Cole and Howe reflected on the decision after the game, as well as the explanation given as to why the penalty had not been given.

Cole reiterated his belief that Chelsea and Chalobah had been fortunate to escape the referee awarding a foul against them at a potentially crucial moment.

He explained: “I think Trevoh got away (with it). I think Trev has been absolutely outstanding for Chelsea. I think on this occasion he’s overzealous with the tackle.

“As it comes in, he’s actually the favourite in this situation. There’s no need to do it. Just get there. It’s the force of it. I think it’s a penalty.”

Crouch agreed. While he suggested Gordon may have been anticipating the challenge, he felt the Premier League’s account did not hold water.

‘Devastated’ Howe argues Chalobah challenge was a ‘stonewall’ penalty

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He said: “Gordon’s waiting. He knows the challenge is coming, and he’s waiting for it. I think he is ready to go down.

“But the force there, they’re talking about shielding the ball. For me, that’s not shielding. That’s an aggressive attempt to go and win the ball, and he hasn’t won it.”

Howe spoke to TNT Sports after the match, and he was even more direct, also stating that the contact was too heavy, and that it was an obvious foul in the box.

“It’s a clear penalty,” he offered. “Anywhere else on the pitch, it’s a free-kick. The player has gone into Anthony too aggressively in my opinion, so it’s a stonewall.

Howe rejected the idea that the challenge from Chalobah had merely been a case of shielding. He said: “It’s not. The defender’s only look is Anthony, not the ball, and it’s too aggressive.”