Fabian Schar’s opener for Newcastle United was chalked off following a long VAR check.
Everyone linked with Newcastle United, including manager Eddie Howe, has criticised the decision to deny Fabian Schar’s opening goal.
The Swiss defender felt he had put his team ahead in the 75th minute, but a long VAR review determined that referee Sam Allison should have another look at the pitchside monitors. The official reversed his earlier decision in less than a minute, penalizing Dan Burn for an assessed foul on Fulham defender Calvin Bassey.
The former Ajax player leapt to head away Anthony Gordon’s cross but was never able to reach the ball, with Burn making contact after the chance to clear the danger was over.
Schar took advantage, scoring, but his celebrations were cut short by officials.
Thankfully, Bruno Guimaraes’ goal two minutes later ensured Newcastle took all three points on a difficult afternoon.
Howe, speaking after the win, was questioned about the Schar decision and expressed his emotions.
“Live, I considered it a goal. “Dan [Burn] jumped aggressively but fairly,” the Newcastle manager confessed. “I wasn’t surprised it went to VAR because these things always happen, but I assumed VAR would say everything was alright.
“Then I expected the referee to go over and examine his decision, which he gave as a goal; I assumed he would have the fortitude to do so, but he did not. “I thought it was a perfectly good goal that was ruled out.”
Alan Shearer watched from the Craven Cottage away end when the two sides clashed in the FA Cup in January. This time, the Magpies icon was in America for Premier League business, but he still found time to express his thoughts on the decision.
“You’re not disallowing that one, VAR,” tweeted Shearer after Guimaraes scored shortly after the initial disagreement.
Newcastle’s win makes it seven points out of nine in a significant week for Howe’s team this season.
Leave a Reply