Ex-Premier League referee: Newcastle United victims of injustice as controversial Callum Wilson footage emerges – ‘Where was VAR?’
Newcastle United should have had a penalty kick in their 0-0 draw with Man United, according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee questioned why VAR did not intervene after Raphael Varane’s challenge on Callum Wilson as it was a “clear and obvious error”.
The pair came together in the first half when Wilson got the ball past his marker before falling to ground after a challenge from Varane.
Referee Craig Pawson waved away Newcastle’s appeals and VAR operator Jarred Gillett did not feel his colleague had made a clear and obvious error therefore Pawson did not review the footage on the pitchside monitor.
As quoted by Chronicle Live after the game, Eddie Howe claimed it was a “very strong shout” for a spot-kick and his side could have been awarded one on another day.
Erik ten Hag flatly refused to comment on Pawson’s performance as his side had a goal from Cristiano Ronaldo chalked off.
“That was a nailed-on penalty kick,” Hackett said analysing the footage with Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“We’ve got another situation where this is a clear and obvious error by the referee and where is VAR?
“This should have resulted in a penalty kick for Newcastle United.”
The draw for Newcastle extended their unbeaten run to five Premier League games.
They have only lost once this season and are up to sixth in the table, a point behind Man United who are in fifth.
In other news, Newcastle United are lining up a club-record £60million contract offer.