There was a major talking point towards the closing stages of Newcastle United's defeat at Premier League rivals Crystal Palace.
United were looking to firmly move on from their Tyne-Wear derby defeat by claiming a win that would have boosted their hopes of securing European football - but another lacklustre second-half display ensured it was the Eagles that claimed all three points in front of their home support. Will Osula had put Newcastle in front during the first-half and that appeared to have laid the foundations for a much-needed win.
However, the introduction of Jean-Phillippe Mateta swung the game in Palace’s favour as the France international scored twice in the final 12 minutes to turn the game on its head. However, it was the second of Mateta’s goals that provoked some debate as he converted from the penalty spot after Magpies defender Sven Botman had been penalised for holding hosts midfielder Jefferson Lerma. Referee Andy Madley immediately pointed to the spot and his decision was backed up by VAR official Craig Pawson - despite Newcastle protesting Lerma had gone to ground too easily. Former Premier League official Dermot Gallagher believes the on and off-field officials got the decision right and believes the Magpies protests were futile as Botman held on to Lerma for too long.
Gallagher told Sky Sports: “Everybody said to me last night, how can a player possibly cannon forward when he’s having his shirt pulled? You’ve answered your own question. Why does Botman need to do this? Without doubt, he grabs hold of his shirt, and once he does that, he's at risk. He doesn't need to do it and pulls his shirt.
“We talked about this many times, you’re a forward, I was a forward, defenders reach for me to see where I am. But there’s no need to grab him, he knows where he is. He doesn’t have to do it. He knows where he is, he’s right in front of him so there’s no need to feel where he is.”
Exaggerated
Andy Madley (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)placeholder image
Andy Madley (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) | Local Library
Gallagher’s fellow former FIFA referee Keith Hackett also praised the match officials for coming to what he believed was the right decision - despite conceding Lerma had ‘exaggerated his fall’ before Madley pointed to the spot.
Speaking to Football Insider, Hacket said: “There’s no doubt that the offended player, who is being held, has exaggerated his fall. But the referee has given the first offence, which is the holding.
“I’m praising the referee, who is prepared to punish holding in the penalty area. I’m not going to criticise. I’m going to praise him. The reaction from the fans, yeah, the players are often held, nothing is given, and therefore, there is a degree of exaggeration. This is the dilemma they face.
“It was an exaggerated fall, but the initial holding was punished. There are probably stronger incidents, with arms being wrapped and players unable to play the ball.”
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