Mark Clattenburg believes VAR made a mistake in Newcastle’s 5-0 win over Crystal Palace

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Former Premier League official Mark Clattenburg was left “very surprised” by one decision during Newcastle’s win over Crystal Palace.

With Champions League qualification in sight, Newcastle United battered Crystal Palace 5-0 at St James’ Park on Wednesday evening.

The win lifted Newcastle up to third in the Premier League table with six games remaining – a five-point gap to Chelsea in sixth suggests the Magpies have one foot in the Champions League group stage.

Despite Eddie Howe being absent from St James’ Park, Newcastle stuck to their game plan and put on a lethal attacking display. However, Newcastle survived an early scare when Nick Pope conceded a penalty.

Mark Clattenburg shocked by Nick Pope penalty

Earlier this month, Nick Pope conceded a penalty against Brentford and former referee Mark Clattenburg claimed that it was the correct decision.

Against Palace, VAR ruled that Pope fouled Chris Richards after he came racing out to try and punch a cross clear.

However, Clattenburg has exclusively told Geordie Boot Boys that he was “surprised” at the decision.

“I was very surprised like many people that a penalty was awarded for a challenge by Pope on Richards,” Clattenburg said.

“Pope comes a long way to challenge for the ball and does not make any contact with the ball. There are other players challenging for the same ball.

“This type of challenge does not usually result in a penalty and I was very surprised the VAR deemed this a clear and obvious error of the referee.

“This is a decision that should stay on the field of play and not result in a slow-motion replay.”

Premier League statement on Nick Pope penalty incident

The decision to penalise Pope was controversial, but the Newcastle shot-stopper made up for his mistake by blocking Eberechi Eze’s effort from 12 yards.

Less than two minutes later, Marc Guehi scored an own-goal against Newcastle after being heavily linked with a move to Tyneside.

After VAR intervened to award the penalty, the Premier League issued an official statement on the decision.

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The statement via the Match Centre read: “VAR checked the referee’s call of no penalty to Crystal Palace for a challenge by Pope on Richards – and deemed there was sufficient contact for a penalty and recommended an on-field review.”