'Makes a mockery of VAR' - Eddie Howe slams Newcastle's no-penalty decision at Chelsea

Eddie Howe has given his verdict on two hotly disputed decisions after Newcastle United’s narrow defeat at Chelsea. The Magpies felt that Kai Havertz should have been sent off for elbowing Dan Burn in the first half, and then Jacob Murphy should have had a penalty in the second period.

However, the VAR panel opted against overturning any of David Coote’s original decisions. Howe said: "It could have been a red but not going to shout from rooftops, but the penalty with the use of VAR I cannot understand that has not been given or the ref has not been asked to go to the monitor and review his decision.

“That makes a mockery of VAR. We are still in a relegation battle. I’m under no illusion we have to respond and we are looking forward to some big games ahead.”

Newcastle head to Everton on Thursday night for a clash against the struggling Toffees. Howe said: “Overall it was a very good defensive performance, very strong tactically. Players were resilient to not give away too many chances and I can't speak highly enough about our defensive display.

"Our pressing was good in the first half. We faded a bit in the second half, which is understandable, with the players we have out. We got too deep and they punished us. On the ball we could have been better but what has brought us these good results of late was our defensive endeavour and that was present again today.”