Kieran Trippier applauds fans after NUFC's 3-1 defeat at Brentford
Newcastle United latest news: Brentford boss Keith Andrews has spoken about controversial VAR incidents during his side’s win over the Magpies.
Brentford boss Keith Andrews has refused to criticise Sunday’s match officials after a couple of controversial decisions during his side’s victory over Newcastle United at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Brentford would ultimately run out comfortable 3-1 winners against Newcastle United, but were left reeling after Stuart Attwell booked Dango Ouattara for simulation, rather than point to the spot for penalty. Replays showed that there was contact between Dan Burn and Ouattara, but VAR opted not to instruct Attwell to check the footage on a pitchside monitor.
In the immediate aftermath of that decision, the Premier League Match Centre released the reasons for VAR’s refusal to overturn the call.
Taking to X, the PL Match Centre wrote: ‘#BRENEW – 62’ The referee’s call of no penalty and yellow card to Ouattara for simulation was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the challenge from Burn on Ouattara deemed to be minimal contact.’
Within just a few minutes, though, Brentford were awarded a penalty when Burn again tripped Ouattara. The Magpies man was sent off after being shown a second booking by Attwell and will now miss the clash with Manchester City following the international break.
Keith Andrews on Brentford penalty appeals v Newcastle United
Andrews, meanwhile, showed his frustration with Attwell’s decisions on the touchline but, post-match, refused to openly criticise the referee: “I've purposely not looked them back, to be honest, because I don't want it to be the main thing I've discussed today,” Andrews responded when asked for his views on the controversial incidents.
“I don't think it's been the main reason why the game has been decided. Some people might disagree with that.
“I think on the balance of play, we have to get more from it in my opinion, from 50, 60 yards away and from what the rest of the staff have discussed with me after the game. Yes, the officials have a difficult task on their hands, clearly.
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“All the challenges, all the bits and pieces, there's a lot going on in the games but clearly they were two key moments and decisions that needed to be made.”
Andrews was also asked if he had received an explanation from the officials as to why Ouattara’s booking hadn’t been overturned. “Like I said, I haven't seen it back, but no I haven’t [received an explanation]. I've said this before on a few contentious issues, I don't really want to be the type of head coach that really criticises the officials.
“I just don't think it's right. It's a difficult job at the best of times.
“But yeah, I think from what I'm hearing, it's probably a penalty. But no, I haven't had any explanation out of it yet.”
That win lifted Brentford into 12th place in the Premier League table and continued their very good record at home in the Premier League this season. Manchester United and Liverpool have both been defeated at the Gtech Community Stadium this season, whilst Aston Villa also fell at this ground in the Carabao Cup.
Newcastle United, meanwhile, tasted defeat for the fifth time in the Premier League this season and ended the weekend in 14th place in the table and just two points above the relegation zone.
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