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Football

20th Dec 2021

Newcastle set to make formal complaint to PL about refereeing standards

Daniel Brown

The Magpies were denied a stonewall penalty on Sunday

Newcastle United are set to make a formal complaint to the Premier League over the quality of officiating in their last three matches after a number of controversial decisions went against the Magpies, according to the Telegraph.

It is reported that Eddie Howe is ‘incensed’ by the refereeing decisions that played a part in the defeats against Leicester City, Liverpool and Manchester City in recent weeks – with the former Bournemouth boss asking staff to piece together a video package of clips which support his argument.

The Magpies had a controversial penalty awarded against them in the defeat against Leicester, with James Maddison appearing to jump off the ground to ensure he made contact with an out-stretched leg of defender Jamaal Lascelles.

Referee Peter Bankes blew for a foul – despite Maddison appearing to initiate the contact – and VAR officials did not ask him to take a second look at the incident.

There was also anger among the Newcastle camp following the defeat to Liverpool last week. Isaac Hayden dropped to the floor with a head injury after trying to clear a corner, however, referee Mike Dean allowed play to go on, even though the midfielder was lying injured on the edge of the six yard box.

Liverpool were able to recycle possession and deliver a cross into the box, with Diogo Jota’s initial header being brilliantly saved by Martin Dubravka before the Portugal international converted the rebound.

Head injury protocols require referees to stop the game whenever there has been a head injury, but Dean reportedly told Newcastle players and staff that he thought Hayden was holding his back rather than his head.

At the weekend, Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson collided with Ryan Fraser, causing him to fall to the floor inside the penalty area. He was also unable to chase after the ball after Joao Cancelo had taken it away from him.

The City shot-stopper got nowhere near the ball, but referee Martin Atkinson waved play on – despite furious protests from players, staff and supporters.

Bizarrely, VAR did not ask the official to take another look at what had occurred on the pitch side monitor

Newcastle are currently 19th in the table, three points behind Watford in 17th, but the Magpies have played two more matches.

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