Normally reluctant to criticise the match officials, Newcastle manager Howe couldn’t hide his frustration at both referee Andy Madley and VAR after the game.
“It was a clear error and a clear penalty,” said Howe. “Anywhere else on the pitch that is a blatant free-kick. I thought it would be overturned. The defender (Chalobah) only focuses on Anthony (Gordon).
“[VAR] said it was shielding. I don’t agree with that. I think the player has gone into Anthony aggressively, too aggressively, so I think it’s a stonewall. The defender’s only looking at Anthony, not the ball. It was the wrong decision.”
Chelsea head coach Maresca saw things differently, however. While not specifically mentioning either Newcastle’s penalty appeal or Garnacho’s challenge, he said: “After the first half Newcastle deserved to win, but, after the second half, we deserved to win.
“From my point of view after the second half, we deserved to win the game. This is my point of view.”
Chelsea are back in action when they play host to high-flying Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge next Saturday, while Newcastle travel to Manchester United on Boxing Day.