Newcastle United are clear victims of ‘big club bias’ after update on controversy – pundit
Newcastle United were on the wrong end of “big club bias” from referees in their 1-0 loss to Chelsea at the weekend (13 March), according to Gabby Agbonlahor.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa and England forward insisted Newcastle should have had a penalty and Kai Havertz should have been sent off at Stamford Bridge.
The 22-year-old was only shown a yellow card after appearing to elbow Dan Burn in the 39th minute.
Eddie Howe’s side were also denied a penalty when Trevoh Chalobah challenged Jacob Murphy early on in the second half.
As quoted by Chronicle Live today (16 March), Howe admitted he was still furious at the decision and insisted VAR must do better as apologies are not satisfactory.
“If that was Andy Carroll who used his elbow like that on Dan Burn he would have got sent off,” Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“Because it’s Havertz they are thinking ‘You know what, he’s not that sort of player’ so he got away with one. A lot of other players would have got a red card for that.
“It was also definitely a penalty to Newcastle. I just feel it’s the big club bias that keeps happening.
“Newcastle fans should be very angry because they deserved to win the game and they end up losing it.
“It’s very frustrating for them and the referees need to do better.”
The two referee blunders cost Newcastle their unbeaten record in 2021.
The northeast giants have climbed to 14th in the Premier League table, nine points above the relegation zone.
In other news, a Newcastle United source has revealed Callum Wilson is targetting a new comeback date.