Dermot Gallagher hits out at Nottingham Forest v Newcastle United controversy

There was one huge talking point after Newcastle United’s 3-2 victory against Premier League opponents Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher says Newcastle United was fortunate not to surrender a penalty in Saturday’s 3-2 victory over Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest.

The disagreement erupted as the two teams shared four goals with the hour mark approaching, with scores from Magpies duo Bruno Guimaraes and Fabian Schar cancelled out by equalizers from Forest wingers Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi.

The hosts felt they should have had an opportunity to grab the lead for the first time in the game after former United goalkeeper Matz Sels’ long free-kick unleashed attacker Taiwo Awoniyi on goal. The former Union Berlin forward held off Sven Botman’s charge and rounded the advancing Martin Dubravka, but appeared to have been upended by the Magpies’ goalkeeper as the ball ran harmlessly out of play.

 

The City Ground faithful instantly looked to on-field referee Anthony Taylor for a penalty, but all pleas were waived away. A VAR review did not produce the desired result, and Newcastle won all three points thanks to Guimaraes’ second goal of the day.

Magpies star Alan Shearer admitted his former team was fortunate not to be penalised for Dubravka’s actions, while veteran Premier League referee Gallagher also stated that Forest should and should have been handed a penalty following the incident.

“I think it’s a penalty and I can understand the referee not giving it from his angle,” he said on Sky Sports.
“When you watch the replay, I believe Dubravka lifts his arm when he doesn’t have to, which causes the fall. That’s why I believed it was a penalty because it was down, and while I understand if the referee says no, I believe when he puts it up, VAR sees it on the replay, and that’s why I thought it was a penalty because I believe he obviously raises his arm, which he doesn’t have to do.

“There are several factors. Maybe the referee has fed back saying he saw it pretty clearly and feels he’s just gone over the goalkeeper and pushed the ball too far – but I believe there (Dubravka’s arm raised) is why”It is a penalty.”