Eddie Howe criticised referee Andy Madley for failing to award Newcastle a 'stonewall' penalty during their 2-2 draw with Chelsea. The Newcastle manager claimed that Trevoh Chalobah's challenge on Anthony Gordon in the 54th minute was a clear foul, but no penalty was given, even after a VAR review.
Howe, who rarely criticises officials, said: 'It was a clear error and a clear penalty. Anywhere else on the pitch that is a blatant free-kick. The defender only focuses on Anthony. I think the player has gone into Anthony aggressively, too aggressively, so I think it's a stonewall.'
Newcastle led 2-0 through two early goals from Nick Woltemade, but Chelsea fought back with strikes from Reece James and João Pedro to earn a point. Howe was 'devastated' by the result, noting that Newcastle have now dropped 13 points from winning positions this season.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca disagreed with Howe's assessment, saying: 'After the first half Newcastle deserved to win, but, after the second half, we deserved to win. Overall, a draw is correct.' Maresca praised his side's character in coming from two goals down and described the result as important.
