Eddie Howe was 'surprised' by controversial referee decision during Newcastle United's draw with Liverpool

 · December 5 2024, 14:00
Eddie Howe was 'surprised' by controversial referee decision during Newcastle United's draw with Liverpool
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We weren't the only ones left questioning what referee Andy Madley was thinking last night as several decisions seemed to go against Newcastle United, two of which could have directly affected the scoreline against Liverpool.

Newcastle gave an excellent account of themselves against league leaders Liverpool at St James' Park, and despite it being an entertaining affair and a brilliant point for the Magpies, they also have every right to feel slightly aggrieved.

As we've already mentioned today, Anthony Gordon was checked by Virgil Van Dijk in an off-the-ball incident in the first half which seemed to go completely unnoticed, however Clive Tyldesley on commentary for Prime Video did mention a VAR check, which makes the entire situation even more baffling.

However, the more egregious decisions were to not award a penalty after Alexander Isak was felled in the box by Jarell Quansah and then to blow the final whistle as Newcastle were in a three-on-two position with a goal looking very likely.

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Liverpool boss Arne Slot paid the referee a visit at half-time

Eddie Howe felt Newcastle were robbed of a few big decisions against Liverpool

After the game, Eddie Howe spoke to the press (via The Mirror) about these decisions and it was clear that the Newcastle gaffer was not happy.

“I thought it was a penalty on Alex, but I haven’t seen a replay, that was just an initial thought.

“I was surprised by the final whistle because I think we’d spent around two minutes on a free-kick in extra-time, so I was expecting seven minutes to be played. I think it was 5.15 when he’s blown, so that was a blow because it looked like we were in a good position.

“Then, I think VAR looked at (the Van Dijk and Gordon incident) and concluded nothing happened, so we have to accept it. I was surprised by it initially though.”
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Eddie Howe was unhappy with Arne Slot entering the referee's room at half-time

The fact that Howe was already fuming after seeing Liverpool boss Arne Slot enter the referee's room at half-time, it's not hard to understand why the 47-year-old would be fuming, but as he was asked about that incident, Howe made the wise decision not to comment.

"I don't think I'll go there. I think that's a can of worms. I tend to focus on my team."

It can't be changed now, so all we can do is use those injustices as fuel to take into the game at Brentford on Saturday and run riot.

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