Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe launched a scathing attack on match officials after a contentious penalty decision cost his side a potential victory against Chelsea at St James' Park on Saturday, 20th December 2025.
Howe's fury over 'clear penalty' denial
The Magpies surrendered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with the Blues, but the post-match focus centred on a pivotal first-half incident. Shortly after Chelsea's Reece James scored to make it 2-1, Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon went down in the penalty area under a challenge from defender Trevoh Chalobah.
Referee Andrew Madley waved play on, and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) team at Stockley Park opted not to intervene. This left Howe utterly baffled and convinced his side had been wronged.
"I thought the Anthony Gordon one was the standout one," Howe stated emphatically. "Anywhere else on the pitch, it's a blatant free-kick. A clear error and clear penalty. I thought it would be overturned."
Defending decision labelled 'shielding'
Howe revealed that officials had explained the non-call by suggesting Chalobah was merely "shielding" the ball, a rationale the Newcastle boss firmly rejected. "I don't agree with that," he said. "The defender only focuses on Anthony. The player has gone into Anthony aggressively, too aggressively, so I think it is a stonewall [penalty]."
The manager's frustration was compounded by what he perceives as a lack of consistency in VAR's application across the Premier League this season.
A missed opportunity for Newcastle
Beyond the controversy, Howe expressed deep disappointment at his team's failure to secure all three points after an impressive first-half display. A brace from Nick Woltemade had put Newcastle in a commanding position, only for second-half strikes from Reece James and Joao Pedro to salvage a point for Chelsea.
"It's tinged with huge disappointment for us. I'm really disappointed for the players," Howe admitted. "We deserved to win that game, in my opinion. The only real disappointment in the first half – because I think it's the best we've played – is that we weren't further ahead."
The result leaves Newcastle in 11th place in the Premier League table. Their attention now turns to a Boxing Day trip to face Manchester United at Old Trafford. Chelsea, who remain in the Champions League qualification spots, host Aston Villa next Saturday.
