Elliot Anderson thought he had scored his first ever Newcastle United goal on Friday night, but it was disallowed in controversial fashion – incorrectly according to former referee Dermot Gallagher.
The ex-Premier League official has given his view on Anderson‘s disallowed goal during Newcastle‘s 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest on Friday night.
An Alexander Isak brace gave the Magpies all three points, netting a penalty in stoppage time to hand his side victory.
It was an incredible ending to the game, but it could have been much more comfortable had Anderson’s goal been given.
The 20-year-old netted a header midway through the second half, celebrating wildly after scoring what he thought was his first ever senior goal for his boyhood club.
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However, VAR intervened due to a possible offside on Sean Longstaff in the buildup. Paul Tierney then looked at the screen, and decided that Longstaff had interfered with play despite two Forest defenders playing the ball before it inadvertently touches the Toon 25-year-old.
It looked like a terrible decision at the time, and now Gallagher has explained why the referee was wrong to chalk off Anderson’s goal.
Dermot Gallagher says Elliot Anderson’s goal should have stood
Gallagher appeared on Sky Sports News on Monday, and gave his honest verdict on whether or not Anderson’s goal was correctly ruled out.
“I look for the clues,” Gallagher said.
“One of the biggest clues was Forest set up to kickoff. They were waiting to kickoff when the delay was going on.
“I don’t really see why the VAR got involved because, for me, Felipe clearly goes to kick the ball out for a corner.”
Rotten decision didn’t cost Newcastle fortunately
It was heartbreaking for Anderson, who was so excited when his header hit the back of the net. He was brought on at half time and had a real impact, and certainly deserved a goal for his efforts.
Unfortunately, he was completely robbed by the officials, and will have to wait to score his first ever Toon goal.
It truly was a shocking decision – especially when you look back at other goals that have been given this season from similar situations. See Mo Salah’s FA Cup strike against Wolves in the third round.
Overall, it was a terrible night for referee Paul Tierney. Both teams had reason to feel aggrieved, and now Gallagher has stated that he thinks the referee and VAR made a really bad decision to disallow Anderson’s goal.
Luckily for them, it did not cost Newcastle. Otherwise there would have been even more outcry from the Toon Army.