Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has revealed that the Magpies have asked the Premier League’s refereeing body for an explanation after being denied what they believe was a clear penalty in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea at St James’ Park.
Howe’s men surrendered a two-goal advantage as Chelsea mounted a late comeback, with Reece James and Joao Pedro both finding the net to salvage a point for the visitors.
But their frustration centred on a key moment in the box involving Anthony Gordon and Trevoh Chalobah. Gordon went to ground under a challenge from Chalobah, but referee Andy Madley waved away appeals from players and supporters alike.
VAR reviewed the incident and backed the on-field decision, with the Premier League Match Centre later explaining that Chalobah was “deemed to be side-to-side in a shielding action and the ball within playing distance”.
Speaking on Tuesday ahead of Newcastle’s Boxing Day meeting with Manchester United, Eddie Howe confirmed the club has already taken the matter up with PGMOL.
The Newcastle boss made clear he disagreed with the interpretation of the incident, insisting the defender’s challenge was unnecessary and avoidable.
“Yes, we will be seeking clarification [from PGMOL] and those calls have already gone in, not from me personally but from the club,” said Howe on Tuesday as he looked ahead to Newcastle’s clash with Manchester United on Boxing Day.
“We just want to know the thought process behind the decisions.
“I wouldn’t want to train them to deliver that kind of challenge in the box because you are going to give the referees a decision to make.
“Think one of the arts of defending is not to put yourself in that position. I thought, and I still do, it was a clear penalty having reviewed it, and I have not changed my mind.”
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