Premier League offers official explanation for controversial VAR decisions as Newcastle draw to Everton

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Newcastle United’s goalless draw with Everton may have lacked goals but it was still full of controversy.

The points were shared at Goodison Park with neither Newcastle nor Everton able to break the deadlock on Saturday afternoon.

Anthony Gordon had a huge chance to give Newcastle the lead from the penalty spot in the first half after Sandro Tonali was dragged to the ground by James Tarkowski.

The penalty decision wasn’t initially awarded by referee Craig Pawson, but he swiftly pointed to the spot after being instructed to check the monitor by VAR.

However, just a week after scoring a penalty against Manchester City, this time Gordon was denied by England teammate Jordan Pickford.

READ MORE: Everton vs Newcastle player ratings: Sandro Tonali gets 8/10 while teammate scores 5 and fans will agree

Premier League explain VAR decisions in Newcastle vs Everton

The Premier League have introduced the Match Centre this season which aims to explain refereeing decisions to fans during the match.

After Newcastle’s penalty was awarded just after the 30-minute mark, the Premier League Match Centre explained that the decision was given as it was deemed a “non-footballing action” by James Tarkowski.

However, VAR was called back into action in the second half after an incident involving Dan Burn and Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the box.

There was clear contact between the two players as Calvert-Lewin lined up to shoot, but Pawson ignored the penalty claims and VAR also refused to intervene.

It was a stroke of luck for Newcastle, who certainly would have wanted a penalty awarded in opposite circumstances.

The Premier League Match Centre also offered an explanation for that decision where they suggested that Calvert-Lewin actually kicked Burn rather than the other way around.

Newcastle must improve after international break

It has been a sleepy start to the season by Newcastle, who have not played to their full potential so far.

The one anomaly is the 1-1 draw with Manchester City, which was full of energy and intensity from every Newcastle player involved.

However, the 1-0 win over AFC Wimbledon midweek saw a rotated Newcastle side lack creativity and cutting edge, and the draw with Everton followed a similar pattern.

Newcastle have now gone three Premier League games without a win, and they will have to improve when club football resumes after the international break.

Newcastle are next in action on Saturday, 19 October when Brighton pay a visit to St James’ Park.