'The reality is...' - Ex-refs chief re-analyses Newcastle vs Bournemouth goal controversy

VAR was right not to intervene and advise referee Rob Jones to overturn Marcus Tavernier’s opener in Bournemouth’s 2-2 draw against Newcastle United on Saturday.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the decision not to award a free-kick for Anthony Elanga’s tussle with Adrien Truffert in the build-up to the opener was a judgement call from the referee.

Newcastle United were able to rescue a draw against Bournemouth thanks to a late Jacob Ramsey goal.

This was despite a particularly poor first-half display where Matthias Jaissle’s side were awful and could have been several goals down.

However, Newcastle were furious that the opener was allowed to stand, as they insisted that Elanga was fouled in the build-up.

VAR did examine the incident, but decided not to take action, much to the frustration of the hosts.

VAR correctly allowed Bournemouth opener vs Newcastle to stand 

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett explained why he believed that VAR did not get involved with Tavernier’s goal.

He said: “The reality here is that both players are holding onto each other. That is why the referee did not intervene. 

“In my opinion, two wrongs do not make a right, and the referee should have stopped play and awarded a free kick to the first offender.

“He did not and must have found that the original offender was the Newcastle United player and allowed play to continue.

This is a referee’s call, and VAR was correct not to intervene. The referee having made a judgement call.”

Did Newcastle deserve to draw vs Bournemouth?

When examining the stats, Newcastle were perhaps lucky to come away with a point on Saturday.

Overall, the Magpies had 57 per cent possession, eight shots, two of which were on target, one big chance and just a 0.66 xG.

In comparison, Bournemouth had 43 per cent possession, 15 shots, five of which were on target, two big chances and a 1.50 xG.

However, Newcastle will care little about the stats as they managed to come from two goals down to remain unbeaten.

Now, it remains to be seen if they can continue this streak when they take on Millwall in the Carabao Cup next week.