Pundit: ‘There’s no justification’ for what I saw at Newcastle as controversial footage emerges

Paul Robinson has slammed the decision not to award Newcastle United a penalty after Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson’s tripped Ryan Fraser.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Premier League goalkeeper said “there’s no justification” for the decision which was “extremely harsh” on the hosts.

The Magpies thought they’d won a penalty when Ederson brought down Fraser in Man City’s 4-0 win at St. James’ Park on Sunday.

However, VAR chose to stick with Martin Atkinson’s on-field decision as opposed to intervening.

As quoted by The Times (19 December), Eddie Howe bemoaned “another big moment” which went against his side.

Howe is adamant Ederson was “out of control” and “wiped out” Fraser.

When asked by Football Insider for his assessment of the incident and decision, Robinson said: “There’s no justification for it.

“It was extremely harsh on Newcastle.

“We are seeing inconsistency from referees once again. You look up and down the country and in every game there is a different interpretation of the rules.

“VAR was brought in to cut out mistakes. Interpretation is the big problem at the moment.

“Was it because he was a distance from the ball? It doesn’t really make sense.”

Newcastle United

Speaking after the loss, Howe said: “I’m not the type of manager that looks for excuses or to blame the officials but it is another big moment that has gone against us.

“I’m shaking my head at it. The goalkeeper is out of control and he has wiped Ryan out. It’s a stonewall penalty for me.”

In other news, Campbell has issued a ‘massive’ Newcastle claim after confirmed transfer reveal in last 24 hours.