The Premier League has found itself at the centre of a fresh refereeing storm after releasing a statement defending the decision not to award Newcastle United a penalty in their dramatic 2-2 draw with Chelsea.
Match Centre Explanation Sparks Fury
The incident, which occurred early in the second half at St James' Park on December 20, 2025, saw Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon knocked to the ground by Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah. With the Magpies leading 2-1 at the time, the home side's appeals for a spot-kick were waved away by the on-field referee.
The decision was subsequently reviewed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) but was upheld. The Premier League's official Match Centre later published its reasoning, stating: 'The referee’s call of no penalty to Newcastle was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the contact from Chalobah on Gordon deemed to be side-to-side in a shielding action and the ball within playing distance.'
Pundits Unanimously Condemn the Call
This explanation has been met with widespread disbelief and criticism from high-profile figures in the game. Rangers legend and TNT Sports commentator Ally McCoist was vocal in his immediate reaction during the broadcast.
'It’s not side-to-side. He takes him out with his body,' McCoist argued. 'He’s shielding the ball if he doesn’t touch the player! My point is quite simple. I get if he’s shielding the ball, but he’s not, he takes the player out.'
His view was strongly supported by former Premier League referee Mike Dean, who told Sky Sports the decision was a clear error. 'He’s just completely wiped out Anthony Gordon. It’s a complete body check, for me, 100 per cent a penalty, 100 per cent,' Dean stated.
Even former Chelsea star Joe Cole, speaking on TNT Sports, conceded his old club had been fortunate. 'I think Trev got away with it... on this occasion he’s been a bit over zealous with the tackle. It’s the force of it. I think it’s a penalty,' Cole admitted.
A Pivotal Moment in a Thrilling Draw
The controversial moment proved potentially pivotal in the context of the match. Newcastle, who had dominated the first half and taken a 2-0 lead through a Nick Woltemade brace, were pegged back by an improved Chelsea after the break.
Had the penalty been awarded and converted, it could have restored a two-goal cushion for the hosts. Instead, Chelsea fought back to secure a 2-2 draw, with Joao Pedro netting the equaliser, leaving Newcastle to rue what might have been.
The fallout from this VAR controversy is likely to reignite the ongoing debate about consistency and transparency in Premier League officiating, with the league's own explanation failing to satisfy many observers of the game.
