Newcastle United has reached out to referees’ chief Howard Webb to discuss a controversial decision that denied them a potential penalty against Chelsea.
Newcastle is upset after referee Andy Madley declined to award a penalty for a challenge by Trevoh Chalobah on Anthony Gordon during Saturday’s 2-2 draw in the Premier League at St James’ Park. Most of the television analysis following the match suggested Newcastle had a valid point.
When asked if the club had contacted the refereeing body Professional Match Game Officials Limited regarding the incident, head coach Eddie Howe replied, “Yes, we will be seeking clarification.”
“That call has already been made, not by me personally, but by the club. We just want to understand the reasoning behind the decision.”
Howe insisted after the match that Chalobah’s challenge—where he appeared to place his leg in front of Gordon and force him to the ground—should have resulted in a penalty.
However, the Premier League Match Centre revealed that VAR official Peter Bankes had concluded “Chalobah was side-to-side in a shielding action and the ball was within playing distance.”
Despite this, Howe remains convinced that the decision was incorrect.
When asked whether the PGMOL supported the ruling, which would imply training his players to be more aggressive, Howe responded, “That’s a dangerous approach. I wouldn’t want to train my players to make that kind of challenge in the box. That simply gives the referee a decision to make.”
“One of the arts of defending is to avoid putting yourself in that position. I still believe it was a clear penalty upon review. Nonetheless, it wasn’t given, and I need to focus on moving forward rather than looking back.”
Newcastle will face Manchester United on Boxing Day. They have won five of their last six encounters in all competitions against them but have also dropped 13 points this season from winning positions, which has proven detrimental.
“I don’t think we only have problems; we possess strengths as well,” Howe stated.
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“My perspective is still very positive. Others may disagree, but I believe we are showing improvement and moving in the right direction.”
“There is a lot of work ahead of us to become the team we aspire to be. Consistency in winning is what has eluded us this season, and being able to put together winning streaks is crucial.”
Goalkeeper Nick Pope and defender Sven Botman may have slim chances of participating at Old Trafford, while Howe’s defensive concerns are growing, with Tino Livramento, Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, Jamaal Lascelles, and Emil Krafth, along with striker Will Osula, all remain sidelined.