Former top referee rules on these controversial Brighton v Newcastle incidents | OneFootball

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 Brighton v Newcastle match.

Dermot Gallagher looking at what happened during key moments in this match at the Amex Stadium.

After 20 Premier League matches where Newcastle United had won 14 and lost six, this was the first PL draw for NUFC since the 3-3 against Liverpool five months ago (4 December 2024).

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

Having already been booked after a foul on Harvey Barnes, Mats Wieffer then with a reckless challenge on Sandro Tonali that left the Italian needing lengthy treatment. Match referee Craig Pawson choosing not to give a second yellow and red card.

“I think he [Mats Wieffer] is lucky not to be sent off.

I think this is a classic case of a referee bottling it when it comes to a big decision.

If Wieffer hadn’t already been booked, then for sure Craig Pawson would have booked him for the really poor challenge on Tonali.

As we approached the end of the 90 minutes, Harvey Barnes wins a free-kick right on the edge of the penalty area. Fabian Schar takes the free-kick and Brighton’s Yasin Ayari clearly handles the ball with his arm well away from his body. For some reason VAR taking ages to confirm the referee’s award of an obvious penalty.

DERMOT GALLAGHER:

“I think it [the handball] is a good spot by Craig Pawson.

“If you look at it, he moves his hand towards the ball.”

Dermot Gallagher also ruling that the two penalties for Newcastle United that were overturned by VAR, were correct outcomes as well.

Brighton 1 Newcastle 1 – Sunday 4 May 2025 2pm

Goals:

Newcastle United:

Isak 89 pen

Brighton

Minteh 28

Possession was Newcastle 54% Brighton 46%

Total shots were Newcastle 13 Ipswich 5

Shots on target were Newcastle 5 Brighton 2

Corners were Newcastle 4 Brighton 1

Touches in the box Newcastle 32 Brighton 17

Newcastle team v Brighton:

Pope, Trippier (Krafth 97), Schar (Botman 97), Burn, Livramento, Willock (Wilson 74), Tonali, Bruno, Barnes, Isak, Murphy (Gordon 56)

Unused subs:

Dubravka, Osula, Longstaff, Miley, Neave

(Brighton 1 Newcastle 1 – Match ratings and comments on all Newcastle United players – Read HERE)