Ex-Fifa official issues ‘surprise’ Newcastle United claim after analysing controversial footage
Miguel Almiron’s goal for Newcastle United against Everton could have been ruled out by VAR.
That’s according to ex-FIFA and Premier League referee Keith Hackett, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about a controversial moment at St James’ Park.
Moments before Almiron opened the scoring on Wednesday (19 October), Amadou Onana was brought down by Fabian Schar but the referee waves play on.
Hackett insists this was a foul but understands why VAR did not intervene to rule out the goal.
“I do think there was a deliberate foul in the buildup,” Hackett told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs.
“I was surprised they didn’t go back. This is what we are getting with a lighter touch. The referee is in a reasonable position and there is going to be a reluctance from VAR to come in on an attacking play that isn’t a clear and obvious error.
“The foul took place and then the goal resulted in a few moves afterwards. Where the challenge took place and the amount of time that took place between the challenge and the goal being scored, created a creditability gap that would make it unlikely for VAR to come in.
“It was a foul, did the referee apply an advantage? We don’t know. We have raised the bar for what a foul is so for some of those tackles you aren’t going to see anything awarded.”
Everton offered no threat to Newcastle in the game, failing to register a shot on target.
The Toffees are next in action against Crystal Palace on Saturday (22 October).
In other news, an ex-Premier League referee digs at Anthony Gordon as Everton v Newcastle United footage analysed.