Chelsea handed final referee verdict on Newcastle incident after VAR controversy

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher claims Newcastle should have been awarded a penalty for a challenge by Trevoh Chalobah as Chelsea earned a point away from home

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher says Newcastle United were denied a clear penalty for a challenge Trevoh Chalobah made on Anthony Gordon, as Chelsea came from two goals down to rescue a point.

The Blues experienced a rollercoaster encounter, going behind early on through a Nick Woltemade double, before Reece James and Joao Pedro saved the day in the second half. A pivotal moment came when referee Andy Madley waved away Newcastle's appeals for a spot-kick after Gordon was felled by Chalobah.

Newcastle's players vigorously contested the call, believing the Chelsea defender had barged into their attacker from behind, but their protests were dismissed. The VAR upheld the on-field decision, a moment that proved significant in the match's outcome, prompting Gallagher to label it an incorrect call.

It's uncommon for Gallagher to be so forthright in criticising a referee's error. Speaking on Sky Sports' Ref Watch programme, he stated: "I think it's a penalty. He's [Chalobah] aggressive and nowhere near the ball. He looks at the man rather than the ball. There is no look to the ball. I think it is a penalty."

Gallagher wasn't alone amongst former officials in deeming it a penalty, as Mike Dean commented during Sky Sports' live coverage: "I'm 100% with you, Kris [Boyd], the ball has come across, gone in the area, he's [Chalobah] made no attempt whatsoever to go for the ball, he's just completely wiped out Anthony Gordon. It's a complete body check for me, I think it's 100% a penalty."

The assertion will undoubtedly irritate Newcastle supporters, but for Chelsea, it proved a pivotal turning point in earning a draw. That has helped keep the Blues in the mix for a European place, ahead of a busy Christmas period.

While the Blues could be relatively happy, the same couldn't be said of their opponents. Opposition manager Eddie Howe made his frustration known when addressing journalists following the match, stating: "Yeah, I thought the Anthony Gordon one was the standout one for me.

"I think anywhere else on the pitch, that's a blatant free-kick. When it went to VAR and of course they check everything, I thought this was going to be overturned. It's a clear error, because that's a clear penalty, as I've seen. I think the defender only focuses on Ant.

"They've said it is shielding, but I don't agree with that analysis, so I'm really disappointed that wasn't given. Just this one decision I think was wrong. I think that's where VAR really should intervene. Yeah, it's a difficult one to work out. Seeing it live, I thought it was clear."

Enzo Maresca was also frustrated with the officiating, albeit not for the penalty, as he explained why he was booked for remonstrating on the touchline. He said after the game: "It is better if... I was complaining just because the same foul was a yellow card for us and they did exactly the same foul three times.

"Make a foul from behind and no yellow card. So I was just complaining why the same foul, one is yellow card and the other one is no yellow card. So this is the reason why I complained with the referee."

Chelsea made sure they picked up a hard-earned point after making things difficult for themselves, but they'll want to be back among the wins again soon. A busy run of fixtures awaits Maresca over the Christmas period, with some tough matches his side will have to navigate.

Aston Villa are up next, who are the in-form team in the division after registering ten wins in a row to put themselves in the title picture. The Blues can close that gap on their rivals with a win at Stamford Bridge, but the tough matches don't end there for them.

Bournemouth also make the trip to west London to close out the calendar year, before Manchester City and Fulham in the league, then comes the challenge of the FA Cup.