Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was very lucky not to be sent off for a wild challenge on Newcastle number nine Callum Wilson.
It was a frustrating afternoon for the Magpies that was dominated by VAR.
There was nothing they could do about the opener – a stunning overhead kick by Danny Ings.
The second goal killed the game, with Anwar El Ghazi converting from the spot. The penalty was given after referee David Coote looked at the screen and decided Jamaal Lascelles had handled the ball in the box.
Once it went to VAR, there was no way it wasn’t going to be given.
Newcastle nearly got a route back into the game, receiving a penalty of their own after Martinez wiped out Wilson in the box.
But VAR confirmed that the Toon striker was offside, thus revoking the penalty.
Martinez’s yellow card stood, but should it have been more? The Villa goalkeeper was totally out of control, and was nowhere near the ball.
If he had been sent off, Villa could have had no complaints.
But instead, VAR was more concerned with the marginal offside call than the safety of players.
In the end it was another disappointing day for Newcastle, who have started the new season with back-to-back defeats.
It might not have made any difference, but some Toon fans are rightfully angry that Villa didn’t go down to 10 men.
Emiliano Martinez challenge has Newcastle fans furious
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