‘I understand’… Alan Shearer gives his verdict on Nottingham Forest’s penalty appeal against Newcastle

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Alan Shearer has now given his verdict on whether or not Nottingham Forest should have been given against Newcastle United on Saturday.

Forest fans were left feeling like they had been robbed on Saturday as Taiwo Awoniyi fell to the ground claiming he had been fouled by Martin Dubravka, but the referee and VAR saw no reason to give a spot-kick.

Speaking on Match of the Day, Shearer claimed that it should have actually been a penalty and that if it was the other way around he would have been asking for one for Newcastle.

Shearer says Forest were ‘robbed’ against Newcastle

Newcastle will feel somewhat fortunate to come away with all three points, but it was a hard fought victory that they were ultimately desperate for and needed after their bad run of form in 2023.

It was on the 62nd minute when Forest fans will feel the game took a turn as Awoniyi ran into the box past Sven Botman and looked to be falling down as Dubravka made the slightest of contact with his leg, but some would consider that enough.

It did look as though the striker was losing control of the ball but that, of course, would be another topic for debate had the penalty been more stonewall.

Ultimately, VAR didn’t deem it clear and obvious to overturn, but Shearer believes Forest will have been robbed, especially as that could have put them 3-2 up and instead they’ve gone on to lose the game.

On the show, Shearer said: “I think Newcastle got lucky there. If it was the other way round I’d be screaming for a penalty. I understand why the Nottingham Forest fans feel robbed.”

Newcastle finally getting a bit of luck

Newcastle have suffered so many disappointments this season in terms of last-minute cup exits, unexpected injuries and unforeseen suspensions to first-team players.

With the likes of Joelinton, Joe Willock and Elliot Anderson still all to return from injury, Eddie Howe has had to be creative in the teams he’s putting out and at times has found it very difficult to rotate at all.

The 46-year-old will now feel like it is finally time for his team to get a bit of luck go their way for once after that penalty decision was waved away by VAR and Bruno Guimaraes was able to grab a brilliant winner for Newcastle.

Now, Newcastle need to use that result to give them a big boost and fully focus on getting another win against Bournemouth next week which will put them in a strong position for a European place.