Newcastle United were forced to settle for a point on the opening day of the Premier League season against Liverpool
Victor Munoz of Liverpool is fouled by Lewis Hall of Newcastle United
Victor Munoz of Liverpool is fouled by Lewis Hall of Newcastle United
Newcastle United have been told by Pro Ref chief Howard Webb why a penalty awarded against them in the Premier League was the correct decision. United began the season at home to Liverpool, earning a point in a dramatic 2-2 draw at St James’ Park.
Anthony Elanga and Joe Willock got the goals for Matthias Jaissle’s side on the opening weekend of the Premier League season last month, with Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai on the score sheet for the visitors.
Newcastle had the lead going into stoppage time before referee Stuart Attwell awarded Liverpool a penalty after a foul from Lewis Hall on Victor Munoz.
VAR checked and confirmed the onfield decision of a penalty, which was subsequently converted by Szoboszlai in stoppage time to see Newcastle drop two points with one of the final kicks of the game.
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The VAR official for Newcastle’s clash against Liverpool was James Bell, with the audio from the day being released on the latest episode of Mic’d Up.
“It’s knee-on-knee contact. He looks to take the ball past him, steps into his leg, he doesn’t play the ball," the VAR audio said.
“It’s as he said, so I’m confirming the penalty.”
VAR later added: “It’s knee-into-thigh contact, so we’re confirming the on-field decision of penalty.”
Webb appeared on the first episode of Mic’d Up for the new Premier League season alongside former Newcastle striker Michael Owen, and explained why the correct decision was made to give the penalty.
“Yeah, I think it's a really good call late in this game. Former teams of yours, of course, Michael. And it demonstrates some real focus by the officials late in that game, the very last minute of added time.
“They've worked together well as a team. You'll hear the assistant referee talk about how Hall hasn't played the ball, and that's really important because Munoz is in possession of the ball and knocks it past Hall.
“Hall doesn't wipe him out, but he puts a foot in, and it's what creates the contact that, in the end, brings Muñoz down.
“So, a good and important decision right at the end of this game.”
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Webb went on to say that he understood why many would believe that a penalty against Newcastle was a harsh decision, but that he still believes a spot-kick was right to be awarded.
The Pro Ref chief said: “I think it's a penalty, but I can see why you'd ask the question because Hall doesn't wipe him out, does he?
“There's contact when Hall goes in. But we're using a light touch with VAR. We're using a high bar for intervention.
“And if the referee says, ‘I've seen it, but for me it's contact that's not impactful enough,’ we'd probably leave this one alone, not interfere with this situation, let the referee's call stand. And that can happen.
“You can prefer a penalty kick as the outcome but not feel it's quite at the level of being clearly and obviously wrong, which is what VAR is there for. So overall, a good outcome, though.”