Newcastle United's English head coach Eddie Howe gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Chelsea at St James' Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on December 20, 2025. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP via Getty Images)placeholder image
Newcastle United's English head coach Eddie Howe gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Chelsea at St James' Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on December 20, 2025. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
Newcastle United were denied a ‘clear penalty’ during the 2-2 draw with Chelsea at St James’ Park last Saturday.
Newcastle United have written to the Professional Game Match Official Limited (PGMOL) to seek clarity on why they weren’t awarded a penalty in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea.
Nick Woltemade’s first-half brace gave the Magpies a 2-0 lead and Reece James had not long pulled a goal back for Chelsea when Anthony Gordon was bodychecked in the box by Trevoh Chalobah.
Referee Andy Madley waved away United’s appeals and VAR agreed with the on-field. The visitors went on to equalise through Joao Pedro.
The Premier League Match Centre issued a statement explaining the decision via its official X account.
It read: “The referee’s call of no penalty to Newcastle was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the contact from Chalobah on Gordon deemed to be side-to-side in a shielding action and the ball within playing distance.”
Eddie Howe furious after Newcastle United denied a penalty v Chelsea
Reflecting on the penalty incident, Howe said: “Yeah, I thought the Anthony Gordon one was the standout one for me. I think anywhere else on the pitch, that's a blatant free kick.
“When I went to VAR and of course they check everything, I thought this was going to be overturned. It's a clear error, because that's a clear penalty, as I've seen. I think the defender only focuses on Ant.
“They've said it's shielding, but I don't agree with that analysis, so I'm really disappointed that wasn't given.
“Just this one decision I think was wrong. I think that's where VAR really should intervene. Yeah, it's a difficult one to work out. Seeing it live, I thought it was clear.”
Newcastle United seek clarity from PGMOL
In response to the incident, Newcastle have wrote to the PGMOL seeking clarity on why Gordon wasn’t awarded a penalty.
Speaking ahead of the Boxing Day trip to Manchester United, Howe confirmed: “Yes, we will be seeking clarification, and I think that call's already gone in, not from me personally, but from the club. Yes, we just want to know the thought process behind the decisions. And if that is, do they come back, and if that is deemed a legal challenge.”
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