Alan Shearer blasts 'pathetic' penalty decision as Newcastle United beaten at Chelsea

Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer blasted the match officials for failing to award the Magpies a penalty at Chelsea. Eddie Howe's side lost 1-0 to a late Kai Havertz goal, but felt they should have had a second-half spot-kick when Trevoh Chalobah brought down Jacob Murphy.

But match referee David Coote waved away appeals, and VAR didn't feel the decision was one that merited review. It came after Havertz escaped a first-half red card for a challenge on Dan Burn which floored the United defender. He was left with a cut on his forehead from the German's elbow, but the on-field yellow card was not increased.

Havertz, of course, went on to be the matchwinner, heading home Jorginho's pinpoint cross in the dying stages as Newcastle's long unbeaten run came to an end. And while Shearer acknowledged the finish from the Chelsea forward, he didn't hold back on the penalty decision. "Class finish from Havertz," he tweeted. "Very harsh on the Toon. Didn’t deserve to come away with nothing. Pathetic pen decision not given."

Analysing the game on Sky Sports, former Manchester City defender Micah Richards felt United should have had the penalty, adding: " This is crystal clear. Newcastle fans can definitely agree with this situation. Chalobah gets on the wrong side and he gets him twice, grabs him and then tries to make the tackle."