Newcastle United snapped a three-game losing streak in the Premier League thanks to a second-half penalty against Brentford.
Referee Craig Pawson pointed to the spot after Mark Flekken collided with Anthony Gordon in the box. Callum Wilson converted from 12 yards in the 64th minute to hand the Magpies their second win of the campaign.
Speaking to Premier League productions after the game Gordon was convinced that he was fouled by the Dutchman. “From what I can remember it was a loose ball and I’ve reacted first, sprinted, got there first and the goalkeeper wiped me out. I was delighted when he wiped me out.
“I don’t understand if there is any controversy because he clearly wipes me out. I get there first, he wiped my foot and it’s a clear penalty.”
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe told Sky Sports that he thought it was a penalty, although he also told BBC Sport that he had “no idea” if it was the correct decision or not.
Bees boss Thomas Frank slammed the decision to award a penalty, claiming it cost his side three points – before adding that he expects an apology from Howard Webb and the PGMOL. “I think we were very close and we could have won it,” he told BBC Match of the Day.
“Unfortunately it was decided by a decision that had nothing to do with the two teams, just the ref.”
He continued: “I don’t think it’s a penalty. We got trolled in a similar situation a some weeks ago against Tottenham when Kevin Schade was through, clear contact with the keeper took him out but apparently he (the keeper) pulled out before. And they also talked about a situation between Arsenal and Manchester City but that was penalty awarded.
“But going forward these should not be penalties. We have a keeper clearly pulling out and a player cleverly letting his leg hang there. It’s not a penalty.
“If the assistant didn’t take the decision, it should 100% be humans making the decisions like that, then I’m convinced that VAR would not have overturned the decision, so I think that’s a problem.
“But because it’s not clear and obvious, it’s too tight. Now we will have a situation where Howard Webb will come out and apologise about the situation and say ‘we’re sorry’, I just think it’s too many time but it can happen.”
Newcastle face AC Milan in the Champions League in midweek.
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