Former top referee rules on these controversial Newcastle v Liverpool incidents

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The Mag

·5 December 2024

Former top referee rules on these controversial Newcastle v Liverpool incidents

Dermot Gallagher reviews controversial decisions in the Premier League after each round of games, on behalf of Sky Sports.

The former top referee has now given his call on these incidents in the Newcastle v Liverpool match.

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Dermot Gallagher looking at what happened during key moments in this very eventful game at St James’ Park.

A match that was end to end, with numerous talking points after it eventually ended Newcastle 3 Liverpool 3…

Dermot Gallagher talking to Sky Sports about these Newcastle v Liverpool controversial incidents:

Incident:

Alexis Mac Allister’s shot strikes Dan Burn on the elbow, inside the Newcastle penalty area, as he turns to block the effort.

Referee Andy Madley waves play on and VAR declines to intervene.

“When you see it front-on, you see Burn tucks his elbows into his chest.

“It hits his elbow, no doubt. His elbow is into his body. If it doesn’t hit that, it’s into his chest.

“The one thing the refs have been really good on this year is handball. Last year it was a lottery at times, but it’s in a much safer place where everyone will say yes.

“Liverpool will be disappointed, but most people agree it’s not what we want for handball.”

Incident:

Alexander Isak saw a goal ruled out for offside against Liverpool.

Dermot Gallagher verdict:

“Tight call but it was interesting that VAR confirmed the offside when the on-field call was already offside.

“Incredible how tight it is, shows the ability these guys have!”

Incident:

Liverpool wanted a penalty for Sean Longstaff’s challenge on Luis Diaz.

Dermot Gallagher verdict:

“Two players tangling and in contact.

“They both grab each other, which side do you take?

“High bar for VAR. Both are shirt pulling.

“You can’t have zero contact but not enough for a penalty.”

Incident:

Virgil Van Dijk appears to bodycheck Anthony Gordon off the ball inside his own box, leaving the Newcastle forward on the floor.

Andy Madley gives nothing and the incident is cleared by VAR.

Dermot Gallagher verdict:

“It’s difficult to say. There’s two players running side-by-side, does he throw his arm into him? His arms are by his side.

“He doesn’t use his elbow as a weapon. The referee judges it as a coming together, VAR has a look and says no. Referee’s decision is the default.

“They have to say is it violent conduct if it’s going to be a red card. We see there’s a clash. Clenched fist, elbow drawn back, that’s when you think it’s violent.

“He leaves a bit on him, but not enough for the referee.”

Incident:

Newcastle were through on goal and in a good position but the referee blew for full-time.

Dermot Gallagher verdict:

“I feel for the referee as the players continued on one side but not the other.

“He blows the whistle early and all the Liverpool players stopped.

“It was such an exciting game.”

Newcastle 3 Liverpool 3 – Wednesday 4 December 7.30pm

(Stats via BBC Sport)

Goals:

Newcastle United:

Isak 35, Gordon 62, Schar 90