Former Premier League goalkeeper Shay Given has launched a scathing critique of Chelsea winger Alejandro Garnacho, branding his challenge in the recent clash with Newcastle United as "really nasty" and "dangerous". The comments follow a contentious 2-2 draw at St James' Park that left Newcastle boss Eddie Howe fuming over several key refereeing decisions.
Howe's Frustration and a Controversial Stalemate
The match on December 21, 2025, was a tale of two halves. Nick Woltemade scored twice inside the opening 20 minutes to give Newcastle a commanding lead. However, Chelsea staged a impressive second-half comeback. Captain Reece James curled in a brilliant free-kick, before Joao Pedro netted the equaliser just after the hour mark to secure a point for the Blues.
Despite the entertaining football, the post-match discussion was dominated by officiating. Eddie Howe expressed clear frustration with referee Andy Madley's performance, pinpointing several incidents he believed were incorrectly handled.
Given's Verdict on Garnacho and VAR
Speaking on BBC's Match of the Day, Shay Given emphatically backed Howe's viewpoint. He focused particularly on a late, high challenge by Alejandro Garnacho on Newcastle's Jacob Ramsey.
"I thought it was a really nasty challenge from Alejandro Garnacho," Given stated. "If you watch it slowly, he doesn't make any attempt to play the ball, he goes over the top and clearly catches him really high up. VAR didn't intervene but I think that's a really dangerous tackle from Garnacho and one he gets away with."
The ex-Republic of Ireland international argued that the Video Assistant Referee system should have reviewed the incident, suggesting it was a clear oversight.
The Stonewall Penalty That Never Was
Beyond the Garnacho incident, Given also analysed a strong first-half penalty appeal from Newcastle. He referenced a moment where Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah appeared to barge Anthony Gordon over in the box.
"The one Eddie Howe was really angry about after the game was the penalty," Given explained. "Gordon has got ahead of Chalobah and the defender has made no attempt to play the ball. You could argue it's shoulder-to-shoulder but he even comes across him with his leg. I don't think that's a difficult decision; I think that's a stonewall penalty."
Given concluded that these pivotal moments, which went against Newcastle, ultimately made a significant difference to the match's outcome.
League Standings and Looking Ahead
The result leaves Chelsea in fourth place in the Premier League, now ten points behind leaders Arsenal. Newcastle United remain in 11th position following the stalemate at their home ground.
Attention now turns to the festive fixture schedule. Chelsea are next in action against in-form Aston Villa on December 27. Meanwhile, Newcastle will feature in the Premier League's only Boxing Day fixture, travelling to face Manchester United at Old Trafford.
