admin“Can’t be— Alan Shearer slams referee decision in shock Newcastle United vs Leeds verdict
Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has criticised the decision to award his former club a late penalty during their dramatic 4-3 victory over Leeds United on Wednesday night.
The Magpies produced a remarkable comeback, coming from behind on three separate occasions before Harvey Barnes struck in the 102nd minute — the latest winning goal ever recorded in a Premier League match — to secure three crucial points.
However, with Newcastle trailing 3-2 deep into stoppage time, controversy arose when a Lewis Hall cross was deemed to have struck Brenden Aaronson’s arm inside the penalty area, prompting the referee to point to the spot. Leeds manager Daniel Farke was visibly frustrated by the call, and Shearer admitted he shared that view.
“I will always give an honest opinion,” Shearer said on The Rest Is Football podcast. “What is he supposed to do with his arms when he’s going in for a challenge like that? It’s just not handball — it can’t be.”
Despite the contentious moment, Shearer expressed his delight at Newcastle’s resurgence in recent weeks, which has seen Eddie Howe’s side climb from 14th to sixth in the Premier League standings.
“It was a great game,” Shearer added. “I was really impressed with Leeds. They were so well organised. Maybe it was naivety or bravery, but they kept pressing Newcastle and went for it. It made for a fantastic watch.
“Thankfully for Newcastle, they came out on the right side of it. The atmosphere was incredible, and it was brilliant to see two teams going at each other and leaving themselves wide open.”
Shearer also urged caution despite Newcastle’s strong run of form, noting the unpredictability of the league this season.
“They’re up to sixth now. We need to stay calm and not get carried away, but it’s three wins in a row, an FA Cup weekend to enjoy, then a Carabao Cup semi-final before Wolves away.
“It’s a crazy league. You win two or three games and suddenly you’re right up there. Newcastle are flying at the moment, but I still think they can improve. They haven’t reached last season’s level yet, and there’s more to come — which can only be a positive sign.”
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