Ex-PGMOL boss makes his feelings clear about Andy Madley howler as Newcastle vs Chelsea controversy re-analysed
Andy Madley is to blame after Newcastle United were denied a “nailed-on” penalty against Chelsea at St James’ Park.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the referee missed a blatant decision during the 2-2 draw on Saturday, 20 December.
Madley failed to send off Alejandro Garnacho for a studs-up challenge on Jacob Ramsey, with many of the home supporters also up-in-arms as Reece James and Harvey Barnes tangled on the edge of the box.
It is safe to say that many fans were left underwhelmed by Madley’s display at the weekend, with multiple Premier League referees being slammed for their decisions across the matchweek.
Trevoh Chalobah barges Anthony Gordon over in the penalty area
In the 53rd minute, the St James’ Park crowd were all on their feet as Trevoh Chalobah bumped Anthony Gordon over in the penalty area, with desperate cries for a spot-kick.
Both Eddie Howe and Joe Cole were adamant that a penalty should have been awarded, which might have killed the game off for the Magpies, who were 2-1 up at the time.
However, with no such decision given, Joao Pedro was able to take advantage of a Malick Thiaw slip, capitalising to slot under Aaron Ramsdale and secure a point on the road for the Blues.
There has been a lot of heavy debate surrounding several decisions from the game, but Hackett believes this might have been the most obvious of them all, suggesting that the lowest level of referees would have given it.
Andy Madley would be proven wrong by ‘kids at the park’
Hackett, exclusively speaking to Football Insider on The Final Whistle, said: “There was no attempt to play the ball here. He’s played the ball, he came in hard, and it was onto the rear of the player.
“This was a nailed-on penalty. With the kids in the park at 15 years of age, referees give that as a penalty kick. This was a poor decision.”
John Brooks was also hammered for his role in Tottenham versus Liverpool, with multiple contentious talking points throughout the game, highlighting further issues with the Premier League officials.