Ref Watch: Newcastle officials hailed after ‘absolutely brilliant’ footage analysed
Keith Hackett has heaped praise on referees Craig Pawson and Mike Dean for their officiating of Newcastle United’s win over Aston Villa.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Fifa and Premier League official said the duo’s use of VAR at St. James’ Park was “absolutely brilliant”.
As captured by Sky Sports (13 February), on-field referee Craig Pawson awarded the Magpies a penalty in the first half after Joe Willock was brought down by Callum Chambers.
However, following advice from VAR official Mike Dean, Pawson rightfully changed his decision to a free-kick.
Kieran Trippier scored from the resulting free-kick to give Eddie Howe’s their third consecutive win in the Premier League.
When asked by Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs for his assessment of the officials use of VAR, Hackett said: “Brilliant, absolutely brilliant.
“That is exactly what VAR is for.
“In the past, the linesman would position himself on the edge of the penalty area to make the judgement as to whether it is in or out.
“The Willock incident was the perfect example of how VAR can clarify a situation.
“I thought it was well handled by the referee Craig Pawson who, incidentally, I thought had a good match. It was handled really well. A point of credit in that scenario, really.”
Saturday’s win over Aston Villa puts four points between Newcastle and the relegation zone.
The Magpies travel to West Ham on Saturday.
In other news, a pundit has claimed Dan Ashworth’s ‘inside information’ could help Newcastle land one of their top targets after a Romano update.