Ex-Premier League referee stunned as ‘shocking’ Newcastle v Man City footage emerges
Keith Hackett has admitted he was “shocked” Newcastle United were not awarded a penalty kick during their 4-0 loss to Man City yesterday (19 December).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee claimed he “found it amazing” both on-field referee Martin Atkinson and VAR operator Craig Pawson missed Ederson’s challenge on Ryan Fraser.
The Newcastle wideman was trying to get on the end of a long pass but Joao Cancelo collected the ball ahead of him.
However, Ederson had already committed to sliding across to challenge for the ball and took Fraser out.
Sky presenter Dave Jones relayed VAR’s justification for the decision as Cancelo came away with the ball and therefore it was not a penalty.
The Telegraph reported today (20 December) Newcastle are set to make a formal complaint about refereeing standards after a number of controversies in recent weeks.
“It was shocking,” Hackett said after analysing the footage of the Ederson incident with Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“I find it amazing that Martin Atkinson, an ex-international referee and a senior referee within the select group, Craig Pawson, an up and coming international referee did not see that as a penalty kick.
“I’m watching the same television, I’m watching the same game and saying ‘That’s an easy call’ and it doesn’t materialise.
“Ignore the result. If I was Eddie Howe I’d be on the bus to London and I’d be knocking on the door of Mike Riley. Newcastle have had a run of some pretty poor decisions.
“That’s a penalty kick, all day every day. At such a critical time of the game it can influence the outcome of the match.”
In other news, Newcastle United have agreed a landmark hire ahead of January.