A controversial moment unfolded at St James’ Park, leaving Newcastle United supporters and pundits alike questioning a crucial decision. Anthony Gordon went down inside the penalty area after a challenge from Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah, but the referee waved play on – a call that ignited immediate debate.
The incident occurred early in the second half, with the scoreline poised at 2-1 to Newcastle. Gordon, chasing a quick ball into the box, was met by a forceful challenge from Chalobah, sending him tumbling. While the ball was traveling quickly, many believed the contact was enough to warrant a penalty kick.
The Premier League’s Match Centre later released a statement explaining the decision, stating that VAR upheld the on-field call. They determined the contact was “side-to-side in a shielding action” and that the ball remained “within playing distance.” This explanation, however, did little to quell the rising tide of disagreement.
Commentator Ally McCoist was visibly stunned by the ruling, emphatically disagreeing with the assessment of a “shielding action.” He argued that Chalobah simply “took him out with his body,” asserting that a player can’t shield if they make contact with an opponent.
Adding weight to the criticism, former referee Mike Dean unequivocally stated it was a “100 per cent penalty.” Dean emphasized Chalobah made no attempt to play the ball, instead delivering a “complete body check” that illegally halted Gordon’s run.
The stakes were high, as the game ultimately ended in a 2-2 draw. Newcastle had raced to a 2-0 lead in the first half, courtesy of a brace from Nick Woltemade, but Chelsea mounted a spirited comeback in the second period.
Chelsea’s resurgence, sparked by a stunning goal from Reece James, transformed the match into a captivating back-and-forth battle. Both teams relentlessly pursued a winning goal, creating a thrilling spectacle for the fans in attendance.
The denied penalty, however, remains a focal point of discussion. Had the call gone the other way, the complexion of the match – and potentially the final result – could have been dramatically different. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the fine margins that often define outcomes in the Premier League.
