Newcastle fans furious after ‘criminal’ Joel Veltman decision

Newcastle fans were left outraged with referee Peter Bankes after he failed to award a penalty for Joel Veltman’s handball during their 1-0 defeat to Brighton on Saturday (October 19).

Lewis Hall, 20, drove into the box when Joel Veltman, 32, appeared to handle the ball while on the ground but Newcastle’s appeals fell on deaf ears.

VAR had a good look but ultimately agreed with Bankes’ on-field decision and no spot-kick was awarded, much to the frustration of the St James’ Park faithful.

Danny Welbeck bagged his fifth Premier League goal of the season to open the scoring against the run of play after a great exchange with Georginio Rutter, finishing from close range.

Eddie Howe’s side are seriously struggling in front of goal so far this season, with just eight goals from their first eight Premier League games, they’re the division’s joint sixth-lowest goalscorers.

Although this is only their second defeat, four frustrating draws have them sat in eighth, one point above high flyers Fulham.

Newcastle can’t catch a break after Joel Veltman decision

Newcastle dominated play against Brighton, with 59 per cent possession and 19 total shots, but were unable to break down their dogged defence and secure the victory.

The Veltman decision would have been a game changer, and Newcastle fans took to X, formally known as Twitter, to bemoan the call.

In other news, Antony to Newcastle: ‘It could happen’ at the 11th hour.

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