Trevor Chalobah’s tackle on Anthony Gordon in Chlesea’s stalemate against Newcastle on Saturday Photo: BBC Sport
Newcastle United have formally requested clarification from Professional Game Match Officials Limited after a penalty appeal was turned down during their 2-2 Premier League draw with Chelsea at St James’ Park on Saturday.
As reported by BBC Sport on Tuesday, Newcastle Head coach Eddie Howe described the incident as a “stonewall” penalty when Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah barged Anthony Gordon to the ground. However, the video assistant referee (VAR) upheld referee Andy Madley’s on-field decision not to award a spot-kick.
The Premier League Match Centre explained that Chalobah was “deemed to be side-to-side in a shielding action and the ball within playing distance.” Howe added: “A call has already gone in. We just want to know the thought process behind the decision.”
At the time, Newcastle led 2-1, but Chelsea’s Joao Pedro equalised after a slip by Malick Thiaw. The Magpies have now dropped 13 points from winning positions, the most in the Premier League this season, and currently sit 11th in the table. They have also managed only one away win, ahead of their trip to Manchester United on 26 December.
Despite the setback, Howe remained optimistic: “My glass is very much half full. We have been moving in the right direction, but we have got lots of work to do to be the team that we ultimately want to be, and that’s consistently winning. That’s what’s eluded us this season – the ability to put winning runs together, which is the defining thing we need to do.”
