Newcastle United have formally contacted the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) seeking an explanation for a controversial penalty decision in their Premier League draw with Chelsea.
Controversial Incident at St James' Park
The flashpoint occurred at St James' Park on Monday, 23rd December 2025, when Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah challenged Newcastle's Anthony Gordon inside the penalty area. Referee Andy Madley waved away appeals for a spot-kick, and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) team checked the incident but did not advise the on-field official to review the footage on the pitchside monitor.
This decision left Newcastle's players and supporters furious, with broadcaster and former professional Ally McCoist labelling the incident a 'stonewall' penalty during his commentary.
Official Reasoning and Newcastle's Response
The Premier League's official Match Centre later clarified the decision on social media platform X, 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."
However, Magpies manager Eddie Howe has revealed the club is not satisfied with this explanation. "Yes, we will be seeking clarification [from PGMOL] and those calls have already gone in," Howe confirmed in his post-match press conference. He emphasised the club's desire to understand the officials' thought process behind the pivotal call.
Howe was unequivocal in his own assessment, stating, "I thought, and I still do, it was a clear penalty having reviewed it, and I have not changed my mind." He also expressed concern over the type of defending exhibited, noting he would not coach his players to make such challenges in the box.
Context of the Match and Looking Ahead
The disputed incident overshadowed a dramatic 2-2 draw. Newcastle had raced into a two-goal lead thanks to a brace from Nick Woltemade, only for Chelsea to fight back. Reece James scored a superb free-kick before Joao Pedro netted the equaliser, after the penalty appeal for Gordon was denied.
Howe acknowledged his team's need to manage games better after surrendering a strong position. He pinpointed defensive errors in the build-up to both Chelsea goals as key areas for improvement, regardless of the timing of the concessions.
The decision and the subsequent official request for clarification from PGMOL highlight the ongoing debate surrounding the consistency and application of VAR in the Premier League, with Newcastle now formally seeking answers.
