Alan Pardew and Graeme Souness both agreed that Leicester City’s penalty against Newcastle United should not have been awarded, with Alan Shearer also questioning the decision.
The Magpies took on the Foxes today, and the deadlock was broken when Youri Tielemans scored from the spot for the hosts.
It was Jamaal Lascelles who was adjudged to have fouled James Maddison.
In real-time the challenge looked clumsy. But replays showed Lascelles had planted his leg, with Maddison then initiating contact.
The incident was looked at by VAR, who backed the call from referee Peter Bankes.
Strangely, there was no check on the pitchside monitor.
Analysing the incident at half-time, Padrew and Souness were adamant the penalty decision was wrong.
Speaking of Sky Sports’ coverage of the game, Souness said: “I don’t think it’s a penalty. Maddison actually kicks Lascelles. I think Lascelles’ foot is planted now, and I think he (Maddison) gets himself in the air and runs into Lascelles. For me it’s not a penalty.
Pardew added: “I think Graeme’s got an argument here. I think that is playing for a penalty. Maddison’s played for a penalty there. Lascelles has left a leg but technically that isn’t a foul.”
Alan Shearer also questioned the decision on Twitter, writing ‘Dive?’ and also ‘Any danger, VAR? #Dive.”
Newcastle stung by poor officiating against Leicester with penalty decision
Lascelles was taking a risk, but it was clear simulation in the end from Maddison.
Some would argue it was ‘clever’ from the 25-year-old.
Realistically it was poor, and the fact the penalty was able to stand even after VAR had looked at it was a real surprise.
The fact the incident wasn’t looked at on the pitchside monitor makes it all the more difficult to stomach.
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