Dermot Gallagher has insisted referee John Brooks made the right call to award Brentford a penalty on Saturday. Dan Burn was penalised shortly after the half-time interval when the ball struck his arm from close range.
Aaron Hickey, less than a few yards from the Newcastle United defender, headed the ball off his arm and a spot-kick was given. Some Toon supporters felt there was little Burn could do to avoid contact and the decision was unjust.
The goal-fest that ensued meant there was little post-match outrage as the Magpies recorded a comfortable 5-1 victory. However, 24 hours later, a similar incident saw Arsenal defender Gabriel avoid punishment - provoking debate about refereeing inconsistencies.
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Former referee Gallagher believes both decisions should have been given as penalties. VAR looked at the incident at the Emirates Stadium but opted against overruling the on-field official.
“I was surprised the Gabriel one wasn't given - I wasn't surprised this (Burn’s handball) was,” he told Sky Sports. "The minute I saw it, I thought ‘his arm is up that high and I expect it to be given'. I think they're very similar and I was surprised they weren't treated the same.
“The directive is if the arm is at shoulder height and above then it's going to be penalised. Dan Burn, I never thought for one second it wouldn't be penalised. All I can think is that the referee and VAR felt it (Arsenal handball) was too close in proximity.
“What we've seen this season is if the arm is out - in this case at shoulder height - then it's been penalised. When I saw it and saw the VAR being used, I expected it to be overturned.
“They felt it was too close, that's why it wasn't given. I anticipated the VAR would recommend a review. All I can think is the VAR felt it was too close so wouldn't recommend it. If he doesn't do that then the referee can't look at the screen.”
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