adminPremier League Post Statement After ‘Staggering’ Decision in Newcastle 2-2 Chelsea
Chelsea recovered from a poor first-half showing at St James’ Park to earn a 2-2 draw with Newcastle United on Saturday, as the Premier League Match Centre later clarified why Trevoh Chalobah’s challenge on Anthony Gordon did not result in a penalty.
Eddie Howe’s side, eager to respond after a narrow 1-0 league defeat to Sunderland, started brightly and took an early lead through Nick Woltemade.
The German forward struck again in the 20th minute to double Newcastle’s advantage, leaving the hosts seemingly in full control of the contest.
However, Chelsea showed a marked improvement after the interval. Reece James sparked the comeback with a superb free-kick early in the second half, before Joao Pedro capitalised on a defensive error by Malick
Thiaw, racing through on goal and finishing coolly past Aaron Ramsdale to level the scores. The turning point might have come moments later, though, as Newcastle appealed for a penalty in the 53rd minute.
Chalobah, lining up alongside a struggling Wesley Fofana and deputising as Chelsea’s senior centre-back in the absence of Levi Colwill, clashed with Gordon inside the area.
The Chelsea defender appeared to barge the winger to the ground without getting a touch on the ball, prompting loud appeals from the home crowd as Gordon was sent tumbling towards the advertising boards.
Referee Andy Madley dismissed the appeals, and VAR upheld his original decision after a review. The call surprised several pundits, including Ally McCoist and Joe Cole on TNT Sports.
McCoist described the incident as a “stonewall penalty,” while Cole admitted the challenge showed “too much aggression” and suggested Eddie Howe would have plenty to say after the match.
Despite the controversy, the Premier League Match Centre later backed the officials’ verdict.
In a statement shared on X, it explained that the challenge was judged to be legitimate, with Chalobah’s contact on Gordon considered side-to-side while shielding the ball, which was deemed to be within playing distance.
admin
