Report confirms Newcastle were involved in a serious VAR error this season

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Newcastle United have had an amazing Premier League season so far – but it could have been even better had it not been for an error by VAR.

Eddie Howe’s side are third in league with 30 points on the board, having only lost once all season. The Magpies have become serial winners, picking up maximum points from eight of their opening 15 games. Only Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham have won more.

Newcastle have also drawn six games, but it should really be five after what happened at St James’ Park back in September.

Howe and co welcomed Crystal Palace to Tyneside, as Newcastle went in search of their second win of the season. And it looked like it was going come when a Tyrick Mitchell own goal gave the home side the lead.

However, the goal was chalked off after intervention from VAR. The watching-on officials determined that there had been a foul in the buildup, with Joe Willock colliding with Palace stopper Vicente Guaita.

That was enough for the goal not to be given, leaving the scoreline at 0-0. That is how it remained, with neither side able to find that elusive strike.

At the time, the VAR decision looked extremely harsh on Newcastle. And a new report confirms that it was in fact a mistake.

VAR made an error that cost Newcastle

According to ESPN, an independent panel has determined that VAR have incorrectly overturned six decisions so far this season. And one of those decisions was the ‘goal’ against Crystal Palace.

This confirms exactly what fans and Willock knew. It obviously should have stood. Yes, Willock did collide with the goalkeeper. But it was only because he was pushed. Either the goal should have been given, or a penalty should have been awarded to the Magpies.

While it is positive that an error has been realised, it does nothing to help Newcastle. If that goal had been given, Howe’s side probably would have gone on to win.

And with another two points on the board, the Magpies would look even more comfortable in the top four. We would still be third, but only on goal difference, equalling Man City on 32 points.

Let’s hope that this mistake by VAR doesn’t come back to haunt us, but if we miss out on Champions League football by two points then serious questions will be asked.