Newcastle United denied 'blatant' penalty as pundits highlight 'diabolical' refereeing

Jamie Redknapp says Newcastle United were the victims of a 'diabolical' decision in their 1-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The Magpies had strong claims for a spot-kick turned down when Jacob Murphy appeared to be fouled in the box by Trevoh Chalobah.

Referee David Coote was unmoved by the appeals, and VAR failed to recommend he take a second look. The incident came after Kai Havertz was only shown a yellow card for an elbow on Newcastle defender Dan Burn in the first half, with the German later going on to score the only goal of the game.

United head coach Eddie Howe was furious the officials did not refer the penalty incident to VAR. And analysing the game for Sky Sports, Redknapp and former Manchester City defender Micah Richards, felt the Magpies had been hard done by.

"It is absolutely diabolical from the referee because you have the luxury of VAR," Redknapp said. "Chalobah is going in with his wrong foot and it is a blatant penalty. If you can not see that and you have VAR at your disposal . . . David Coote needs to make better decisions."

Richards agreed, 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. I do think this one is a clear and obvious error because it puts him off balance."

All were in agreement over Havertz's finish following a pinpoint cross from Italian midfielder Jorginho. The German managed to get in behind Burn to turn the ball past Martin Dubravka on a day when many felt Newcastle were worthy of a point.

"It is not easy," said fellow pundit Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink afterwards. "If you want that chance to get to somebody, it is Havertz because he