VAR has been a controversial addition to the Premier League, but one that has benefited Newcastle United on occasion.
The Magpies have not been excessively done over by the video technology since their debut in the 2019/20 season.
Newcastle United saw the benefits of VAR first-hand in their win against Chelsea last Sunday. Referee John Brooks initially gave Nicolas Jackson a booking after a coming together with defender Sven Botman, but he was sent to the pitchside monitor and ultimately sent Jackson off.
Eddie Howe was furious with Brooks for not handing Jackson a straight red card, but the referee got the decision right with some help from his colleagues.
While Howe was furious he was not sent off, Enzo Maresca was unhappy with Jackson’s red card and even suggested that the St James’ Park crowd played a part in his dismissal.
Jackson is very upset with his red card against Newcastle, with the Senegal international claiming he did not want to be bullied by the Magpies’ back line throughout the game.
While VAR was on Newcastle’s side last Sunday, another incident which went against them has been used in an argument in favour of the technology.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Howard Webb assesses Joe Willock penalty shout during Brighton vs Newcastle United
Earlier in May, Newcastle drew with Brighton in a cagey affair on the South Coast. While the result was one thing, the Magpies were awarded three penalties but only took one.
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Anthony Gordon was fouled by Tariq Lamptey, and Craig Pawson pointed to the spot. Replays showed that the Newcastle man was fouled outside of the box, so a free-kick was awarded instead.
Shortly after, Joe Willock went down in the box following a coming together with Jan Paul van Hecke. Pawson pointed to the spot again, but VAR replays took away the penalty and handed Willock a booking.
This incident was reviewed by PGMOL chief refereeing officer Howard Webb on the latest episode of Mic’d Up.
Alongside former Newcastle striker Michael Owen, Webb discussed why Pawson was right to reverse the penalty decision and give Willock a booking.
“When you watch the clip, you can see that the referee is desperately trying to get that in-between view,” Webb said.
“The view between van Hecke and Willock, which is really useful in understanding if there’s contact and if there is who creates the contact, and he gets his view blocked by another Brighton defender.
“And that’s obviously problematic for him, because then he’s making a decision without having that clear view that you’re seeking so desperately. And he thinks he’s seen enough to give a penalty as Van Hecke goes to ground. It’s always risky when you go to ground, he gives the penalty.
“The VAR obviously checks all penalties and you’re right, I think people really like this use of VAR to not only overturn the incorrectly awarded penalty, which is a big moment in the game, but also to quite rightly give a yellow card to the player that’s gone to ground without contact. In this case it’s Willock who has gone down looking to win the penalty and the VAR is able to look at a number of angles and clearly see that that’s not a foul by Van Hecke.”
Newcastle were awarded a third penalty, which stood late into the game, with Alexander Isak converting from the spot.
Brighton involved in red card controversy against Newcastle United
The draw on the South Coast ensured that Brighton remained unbeaten against Newcastle for the 2024/25 campaign, winning in the Premier League and FA Cup at St James’ Park as well.
The FA Cup tie was a particularly feisty one, with two red cards shown. Anthony Gordon missed the Carabao Cup final after an altercation with van Hecke. Lamptey was shown a second yellow card in extra time.
Brighton were lucky not to have a man sent off during the game at the American Express Stadium. Mats Wieffer went in strong on Sandro Tonali, but came out without the ball. The Dutchman was booked for the foul, but replays showed it could have been much more.
Additionally, Fabian Hurzeler was furious that VAR did not award Brighton a penalty during the Newcastle game after seeing Matt O’Reilly go down in the box following Tonali’s challenge.