Keith Hackett

Mon 24 February 2025 21:00, UK

Newcastle United were rightly awarded the free-kick that sparked their comeback against Nottingham Forest, Keith Hackett has said.

The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the nature of the challenge from Ola Aina on Anthony Gordon was enough to award a set-piece despite minimal contact.

It was a remarkable game between the two sides at St James’ Park on Sunday (23 February), which was eventually won 4-3 by Eddie Howe‘s side.

That will have provided Newcastle with a major boost against a competitor for a Champions League place, and there were several key moments that contributed to that success.

Newcastle United kick-start Nottingham Forest comeback from set-piece scramble

It was the visitors who had initially gone ahead six minutes into that game thanks to a long-range strike from Callum Hudson-Odoi, that played a part in many Newcastle fans criticising goalkeeper Nick Pope.

However, the Magpies then equalised when Lewis Miley fired home after the visitors could not fully clear a free-kick at the first attempt.

Jacob Murphy then put Howe’s men in front moments later, although a number of Newcastle supporters were still unimpressed by the winger.

Having conceded the free-kick from which the home side had equalised, Forest full-back Ola Aina then conceded a penalty for handball after a VAR check.

That spot kick was converted by Alexander Isak, with the Swede then quickly making it 4-1 with a deflected finish.

As a result, the Newcastle striker reached the landmark of 50 Premier League goals which also earned him congratulations from Alan Shearer.

Although Nikola Milenkovic and Ryan Yates pulled goals back for Nottingham Forest after the break, the hosts managed to hold on for the win to boost their Champions League hopes.

Hackett has now reacted to the free-kick that initially started that comeback for Newcastle, explaining exactly why it was awarded.

Keith Hackett reacts to Ola Aina challenge on Anthony Gordon

That free-kick came after a challenge by Aina on Anthony Gordon, with replays appearing to indicate there was limited contact made on the winger.

Despite that, Hackett still believes there was enough to award the set-piece, as he told Football Insider:

“The reason it’s been given is he’s come in with his right foot high, and if there’s any form of contact the referee’s going to give a free-kick. So I think the referee’s judged that one correctly.”

Newcastle face another big game on Wednesday (26 February) when they travel to Anfield to face league leaders Liverpool, while Nottingham Forest host Arsenal at the City Ground that same evening.