talkSPORT’s Stuart Pearce believes VAR should have overturned the decision to award Newcastle a penalty against Manchester City.
Approaching the hour mark at St. James’ Park, Anthony Gordon was adjudged to have been fouled by City goalkeeper Ederson in the box.
Gordon was one-on-one against Ederson for NewcastleAFP
Referee Jarred Gillett pointed to the penalty spot and VAR checked the incident before agreeing with his call.
“The referee awarded a penalty for a foul by Ederson on Gordon and issued a yellow card to Ederson, deeming that his actions were a genuine attempt to play the ball but denied an obvious goal scoring opportunity,” said the Premier League match centre.
“The VAR checked and confirmed the referee’s call of penalty and a yellow card to Ederson.”
Ederson was also shown a yellow card before Gordon scored from 12 yards to level the scoring at 1-1 after Josko Gvardiol’s opener.
However, replays appear to show very little if no contact from the City man on the Newcastle attacker.
As a result, talkSPORT’s Pearce hinted that Gordon dived to win the penalty and VAR should have reversed referee Gillett’s decision.
“Brilliant through ball, but Gordon has taken three or four touches and never really got the ball where he wanted it to be,” the former defender said on GameDay exclusive. “Played it wide, if I was at Stockley Park I’d overturn that.”
“He should have scored,” said Sam Matterface, before Pearce added: “If you want to stop players diving in the modern game, you overturn that.
“He might turn around and say there was contact, but he initiated contact.”
Gordon’s penalty proved crucial for Newcastle as they held onto the 1-1 scoreline to seal a point against the reigning champions City.
The forward went down and won a penalty, although there seemed to be little contactGetty
He then scored from the spot to hand Newcastle a precious pointGetty
Gvardiol gave the visitors the lead in the 35th minute with a calm, composed finish from inside the area.
Newcastle then controversially hit back in the second-half and faced a late onslaught of chances from their opposition.
City remain top of the table but could be overtaken by the end of the weekend, with Newcastle rising to fifth.
