Newcastle United icon Alan Shearer has hit out at the “pathetic decision” to disallow what would have been a winning goal for his former side against Crystal Palace.
Eddie Howe ’s men thought they had claimed the lead against the Eagles at St James’ Park shortly after the break as Sven Botman heading across goal from Kieran Trippier’s free-kick - Tyriq Mitchell consequently putting through his own net. Despite the referee initially giving the goal, Palace were given a reprieve by VAR with Joe Willock adjudged to have fouled goalkeeper Vicente Guaita in the build-up to the goal.
However, Shearer was firm in the knowledge that was not the case and was instead sure that it was instead a foul on the Newcastle midfielder instead.
Taking to Twitter shortly after the incident, the Match of the Day pundit wrote: “Willock clearly pushed into the keeper. Pathetic decision.”
It goes without saying that Shearer was not the only one to take exception to the decision to chalk-off Newcastle’s strike. Head coach Howe also took aim at the officials after the final whistle and agreed with the former forward’s view on the incident.
Speaking after the game, he said: "I disagree with the decision. I thought it should be a goal. I thought Joe was pushed. He is running in and is pushed into the keeper. I am not sure what Joe is supposed to do there. For me, it is a perfectly good goal."
What was your take on Newcastle's disallowed goal vs Crystal Palace? Share your thoughts in the comments below
The draw leaves Newcastle with just one win from their opening six matches of the campaign - albeit with four draws already to their name this term. Their clash with Palace was not the only Premier League game on Saturday marred by VAR chaos though.
West Ham United were controversially denied an equaliser against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge - Jarrod Bowen adjudged to have fouled Blues stopper Edouard Mendy in the build-up to Maxwel Cornet’s late strike.
Hammers boss David Moyes was left apoplectic with the decision following the final whistle - even accusing Mendy of faking an injury.
Speaking during his post-match press conference, the West Ham boss said: "Well have you seen it?! The goalkeeper comes out and fumbles... then acts as if it's a shoulder injury!"
"I thought 'there's no way he's overturning this'... it was a ridiculously bad decision. I'd question VAR today as much as the referee.
"The sad thing is this is the level of our elite refereeing at the moment. The goalkeeper tried to fake an injury on our first goal as well. So he's done the same on the second goal."
