Jacob Murphy shares what has been ‘frustrating’ about Newcastle’s season so far

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Jacob Murphy has voiced his concern over the impact VAR is having on Newcastle’s season.

The Magpies were furious with the officials on Sunday, with two big decisions going against Eddie Howe’s side as they lost 1-0 at Stamford Bridge.

Kai Havertz could have seen red for an elbow on Dan Burn, but the biggest controversy came in the second half.

Murphy was clearly fouled in the box by Trevor Chalobah, but referee David Coote and VAR both determined that it wasn’t a spot kick. The referee instead gave a corner, despite the Chelsea defender not even touching the ball.

It was a blatant penalty. It was a real shock when the referee’s decision wasn’t overturned – that’s how obvious a penalty it was.

The incident infuriated the Magpies, but it wasn’t the first time Newcastle have been on the end of a bad decision this season.

VAR is ‘frustrating’ Newcastle and Jacob Murphy

Ahead of tonight’s game with Everton, Murphy spoke to NUFC TV. And the 27-year-old was asked about the penalty incident at Stamford Bridge.

“We have fallen the wrong side of a lot of decisions this season which is quite frustrating because they [VAR] were brought in to give us clarity on such decisions,” Murphy said.

“But it’s done, and all we can do now is look forward to the next game.”

Referee decisions have irked the Magpies

The game against Chelsea was incredibly frustrating, as our performance deserved at least a point. And if big decisions had gone our way perhaps we would have got at least a point.

But instead it joined a lengthy list of decisions that have gone against us. Particularly before Christmas there was real anger from Toon fans – and Eddie Howe, who complained to the PGMOL.

Shortly after Howe arrived, a string of shocking decisions went against us. The James Maddison dive, the Mike Dean Show at Liverpool away, the Ryan Fraser penalty claim against Manchester City – these refereeing failures made a tough run of fixtures somewhat impossible.

It’s been incredibly frustrating. Luckily, it hasn’t mattered too much. Howe’s side have been able to rally, and are now nine points clear of the relegation zone.

While VAR’s ineffectiveness has frustrated Newcastle at times, it hasn’t stopped them pulling away from danger.