Credit: Imago

Chelsea vs Newcastle United ref watch: Three decisions Paul Tierney got wrong

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on:

14 Mar 2026, 1:59 pm

Paul Tierney had plenty of incidents to unravel as Chelsea and Newcastle United clashed at Stamford Bridge.

The referee was an unfavourable figure amongst both sets of supporters on Saturday, 14 March, though the Magpies were by far the happier group at the full-time whistle after claiming a narrow win.

Anthony Gordon's 18th-minute strike made all the difference in West London, with the Blues unable to find a breakthrough, and it could have been an even better evening for the away side.

Tierney was far from having a faultless display in the centre of the pitch, and Football Insider has dissected three of his biggest mistakes during another Premier League defeat for Chelsea.

Eddie Howe would have been furious with the referee. (Credit: Imago)

Paul Tierney dishes out harsh punishment for Moises Caicedo

Moises Caicedo is absolutely no stranger to a yellow card, and that was proven when picking up his ninth caution of the 2025-26 Premier League season.

However, on this occasion, it did seem like a very harsh decision from Tierney.

The Ecuadorian launched into a sliding challenge on Nick Woltemade, who was hoping to run away from his opponent, but after what seemed like a good tackle, the referee punished him. It was soft.

Reece James avoids conceding a penalty on Malick Thiaw

The Blues could have been even further behind in the 35th minute when Reece James took a huge risk.

Having only signed a new contract this week, the right-back and Chelsea captain dragged Malick Thiaw over inside the penalty area at a corner, with a VAR review taking place.

Reece James was fortunate not to concede a penalty vs Newcastle. (Credit: Imago)

Tierney somehow didn't spot the infringement, but to make matters even worse, VAR agreed with the on-field decision, refusing to send the referee to the monitor. Baffling.

Cole Palmer's absolutely embarrassing penalty claim

Rosenior's players were clearly trying anything to get back into the game, and that was made clear in the 62nd minute when Cole Palmer cried out for a spot-kick.

At first, it appeared that the England international had been caught by Woltemade, but replays showed that it was actually Palmer who stood on his opponent's foot.

If anything, it should have been a Newcastle free-kick, and a yellow card shown to Palmer for simulation.

Chelsea FC

Newcastle United

Paul Tierney