Newcastle handed Champions League rematch after VAR controversy | Football | Sport
Newcastle face a rematch against Barcelona or Chelsea in the Champions League after progressing to the round of 16 in Europe’s premier competition. The Magpies met Barcelona in the opening fixture of this season’s European campaign, but suffered a 2-1 defeat on home turf with Marcus Rashford netting twice for the visitors.
Eddie Howe’s team have also faced Chelsea earlier this season in the Premier League, which ended 2-2 at St James’ Park, though the match was marred by VAR controversy. The Magpies sought clarification from the PGMOL after Anthony Gordon was brought down by Trevoh Chalobah inside the penalty area midway through the second half.
Newcastle were ahead 2-1 at the time of the incident, after Reece James reduced the arrears following a first-half double from Nick Woltemade, when referee Andy Madley decided not to award a spot-kick. Chelsea recovered and claimed an equaliser.
Subsequently, former officials, including Mark Halsey and Dermot Gallagher, have been categorical in their view that a penalty should have been given had the regulations been properly enforced.
Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings.
Howe was asked whether the club had approached the PGMOL to request an explanation for the decision and why VAR had likewise failed to intervene. The fact that a review of the incident failed to deliver the correct decision, despite the advanced technology available in the contemporary game, only intensified Howe’s and Newcastle’s exasperation.
Howe said: “Yes, we will be seeking clarification [from PGMOL] and those calls have already gone in, not from me personally but from the club. We just want to know the thought process behind the decisions.”
Howe was subsequently questioned whether Newcastle players could challenge with greater aggression in comparable circumstances without fear of punishment, but he said: “I wouldn’t want to train them to deliver that kind of challenges in the box because you are going to give the referees a decision to make.
“I think one of the arts of defending is not to put yourself in that position. I thought, and I still do, it was a clear penalty having reviewed it, and I have not changed my mind.”
Both Chelsea and Barcelona progressed via the top eight during the league phase of the Champions League, securing automatic qualification for the last 16 and ensuring they will host the second leg at home.
The Magpies will discover their opposition in the draw for the last 16, taking place in Nyon from 11am on Friday morning, which will also outline their prospective journey to the final in Budapest on May 30.
