Campbell slams ‘absolute madness’ at Newcastle as talks on the cards
Kevin Campbell is baffled by Martin Atkinson’s refereeing on Sunday as Newcastle United prepare to make a formal complaint to the Premier League.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Arsenal and Everton striker said the decision not to award Ryan Fraser a penalty following a challenge from Ederson was “absolute madness”.
The incident was controversially overlooked by Martin Atkinson and VAR in Man City’s 4-0 win at St. James’ Park on Sunday.
According to The Telegraph‘s Luke Edwards (20 December), the Magpies are set to make a formal complaint to the league over the standard of officiating in their last three games.
Controversial decisions have gone against Eddie Howe’s side in fixtures against Leicester City, Liverpool and Manchester City.
When asked by Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs for his assessment of the incident, Campbell said: “I mean if ever I have seen a penalty, that is a one.
“All day long. Ederson took him out.
“I would have to ask the referee and the VAR official why it was not given because it was madness to me. Absolute madness. Why was it not given? I don’t know what is going through the head of these referees.
“VAR is supposed to help. The referee could have had another look at it but he didn’t. It is madness.
“There is no doubt about it, that is a penalty all day long.”
In other news, a pundit has claimed Newcastle are working on ‘six or seven’ January signings after ‘behind-the-scenes’ reveal.