Newcastle Upset Over Penalty Call in Chelsea Match

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe stated that his team was unfairly denied a penalty after Saturday’s draw with Chelsea at St. James’ Park.

Nick Woltemade scored two goals in the first half, helping the Magpies recover from his own goal in the recent Tyne-Wear Derby loss to Sunderland.

Chelsea responded in the second half, with Reece James scoring from a free kick and Joao Pedro netting an impressive solo goal to equalize.

“It was tough because we played well today,” Howe told BBC Match of the Day. “It was an excellent performance, especially in the first half. I’m really disappointed for the players that we didn’t win.”

“[In the first half], we showed how good we can be. Our athleticism and pressing made us a real threat. This proves we are improving, and we need to build on that.”

Newcastle has now lost 13 points from winning positions this season, which is the highest in the Premier League.

“It’s frustrating for us since we’ve been here before,” Howe added. “All we can do is learn and improve. If we had those points, our position would be different.”

After Chelsea’s first goal, Anthony Gordon was pushed off the pitch by Trevoh Chalobah in the box, but referee Andy Madley ruled out the penalty claims, a decision supported by VAR.

“I believed it was a clear penalty; it was too aggressive,” Howe insisted. “If that occurred anywhere else on the field, it would be a free kick. I’m disappointed it wasn’t awarded.”

When asked by TNT Sports if the shoulder-to-shoulder challenge could be seen as non-foul, Howe replied: “No, because the defender was only looking at Anthony and not the ball. The challenge was too aggressive.”

Howe confirmed, “In my opinion, it was a clear penalty. Anywhere else, it’s a free kick. The player approached Anthony too aggressively, so I believe it was stonewall.”