Newcastle United ran riot against Qarabag in the Champions League, but there was a lot of controversy around the first spot-kick they were awarded
Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United (10) celebrates after scoring Newcastle's third goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Qarabag FK and Newcastle United FC at Tofiq Bahramov Stadium on February 18, 2026 in Baku, Azerbaijan
Gordon helped himself to a sack full of goals against Qarabag(Image: 2026 Newcastle United)
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Ally McCoist believes Newcastle United deserved their contentious penalty in their Champions League clash against Qarabag. The Magpies destroyed their Azerbaijani hosts in a five-goal, first-half blitz.
Anthony Gordon scored four goals in the opening 45 minutes while Malick Thiaw also got himself on the scoresheet. However, the Toon's third goal was a contentious one as it came from a penalty which left McCoist and his TNT Sport commentary colleague Darren Fletcher aghast.
Harvey Barnes' effort from the 18-yard line struck the trailing arm of Qarabag defender Matheus Silva, who slid in to block his effort. Despite the Brazilian defender looking the other way as the ball hit his arm, the referee gave a penalty after consulting VAR.
When it was given, McCoist said: "I mean there is nothing there. There is nothing there at all. He’s facing the other way. The defender is facing the other way, his hand is on the ground.”
After the decision was given, McCoist did alter his position slightly by referencing the many controversial calls which have gone against Howe's side. He said: "I’m not happy. But, you know something, just to balance it.
"I would have to say, Newcastle have had some ridiculous penalties given against them in this particular tournament. But, I’m unhappy with them giving it. He’s facing the other way, I don’t think the ball was going in the goal.”
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Newcastle fans will remember the 2023/24 Champions League draw with Paris Saint-Germain in the French capital.
Newcastle led through Alexander Isak's opening goal, but the hosts were given a horrendous penalty after Tino Livramento was adjudged to have handled the ball in the penalty area. Kylian Mbappe went on to fire in the resulting penalty to hold the Magpies to a draw.
It was a crucial moment as Newcastle failed to navigate their way out of the group stage. Fast forward to the present day, the Magpies were on the right end of a contentious call.
Newcastle United shot hitting the trailing arm of a Qarabag player
The first penalty was extremely contentious(Image: TNT Sport)
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It came at an important time as Gordon and Thiaw's goals had already given Newcastle a 2-0 lead, before the Newcastle No.10 stuck his first penalty away. The ex-Everton forward went on to fire another spot-kick into the back of the net, before scoring a fourth just before half time.
Gordon became the first ever Newcastle player to score four goals in a single match in the Champions League for the Toon. His haul also meant he has scored 10 goals in eight matches in the competition.
He overtook Bayern Munich forward and England captain Harry Kane (8) in the sharpshooters' table and is now three ahead of Manchester City goal machine Erling Haaland. However, Gordon is still behind Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe, who currently boasts 13 strikes in the competition.
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