The decision not to award Newcastle United a first-half penalty in the draw at Manchester United was the 'worst' refereeing decision of the weekend. That is the verdict of Match of the Day pundit Danny Murphy, who believes the Magpies were due an 'obvious' spot-kick after Callum Wilson was brought down by Raphael Varane.
Eddie Howe's side made a promising start to proceedings at Old Trafford on Sunday, and Joelinton came closest to opening the scoring when he hit the woodwork twice. The Red Devils improved after the break, and both Fred and Marcus Rashford spurned glorious late chances to snatch the win.
The performance of referee Craig Pawson came under the spotlight following the full-time whistle. The hosts were aggrieved by a decision to rule out a Cristiano Ronaldo goal, as well as having their own penalty shout after Jadon Sancho went down in the box.
READ MORE: 'Varane cuts right across him' - Given and Woodgate agree on Newcastle United penalty claim
However, it was the decision not to award Newcastle a spot-kick which was scrutinised in the Match of the Day studio. Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown lamented the use of VAR after Wilson's appeals fell on deaf ears.
He told Match of the Day 2: "Well again, how many times are we going to say about VAR? I know the referee is from behind there, but that is a penalty without doubt.
"Varane comes across and blocks his path, and Wilson has nowhere to go. That simply has to be a penalty, I can't understand it.
Murphy added: "Worst decision of the weekend that one, it's an obvious penalty. It would have changed the game.
READ NEXT
Sven Botman's Newcastle United stock soaring as Cristiano Ronaldo mission accomplished
Eddie Howe offers view on Callum Wilson penalty call as Man Utd boss Erik Ten Hag snubs question
Alexander Isak huge injury news as Eddie Howe confirms Allan Saint-Maximin 'blow'
