Newcastle United breezed past Union Saint-Gilloise on Wednesday night, with two Anthony Gordon penalties helping them towards a 4-0 win.
It was a comfortable night in Brussels, with Newcastle beating Union Saint-Gilloise to pick up their first Champions League away win since February 2003.
A penalty in each half helped the Magpies get over the line, both of which were converted by Anthony Gordon. Nick Woltemade wanted to take the second, but was denied that opportunity as Gordon scored from 12 yards.
That second penalty was given for a handball, after referee Urs Schnyder was instructed to go to the screen by VAR. Replays proved that Gordon’s cross had struck the USG player’s arm, despite not really being in an unnatural position.
Mark Clattenburg says Newcastle United penalty would not have been given in the Premier League
After the game, USG manager Sebastien Pocognoli stated that the penalty decision was soft.
As soft as it was, that is the way UEFA rule on handballs inside the box. That is the view of former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg, who has exclusively spoken to Geordie Boot Boys about the second penalty Newcastle United received on Wednesday night.
“Newcastle United’s second penalty shows the difference between the interpretation of UEFA referees and Premier League referees in handball,” he said.
“The ball comes in from a long distance and the defender leans into the ball while having his arm away from his body. The guideline for UEFA referees in this situation is to award a penalty kick.
“I am not sure the Premier league referees’ guidelines would have awarded this as they have a lower level of intervention on handball.”
The same UEFA rule cost Newcastle United against PSG
UEFA’s lenient handball law helped Newcastle United on Wednesday night, but it was their worst enemy two years ago.
During their last Champions League campaign, Newcastle almost recorded a famous 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes.
Eddie Howe’s side were on the brink of victory, only for PSG to be awarded a penalty in stoppage time for a Tino Livramento handball. It was a ludicrous decision that enraged anyone who was not of a PSG persuasion, with Kylian Mbappe making it 1-1 from the spot.
UEFA’s handball law broke Newcastle United hearts in November 2023. It is a decision that still stings for the Toon Army.
Two years on and the law has not changed, but it has actually been to the benefit of the Magpies on this occassion.
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