Newcastle's Martin Dubravka gives refreshingly honest take on Diogo Jota penalty incident vs Liverpool

Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka admitted Anthony Taylor's decision to award Liverpool a second penalty was the right one in a refreshingly honest post-match interview.

The hosts dominated for large spells at Anfield but a late goal from Sven Botman meant Liverpool were only one ahead in the final stages after goals from Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo cancelled out Alexander Isak's equaliser.

Then, five minutes after Botman's finish, it looked like Diogo Jota would give Jurgen Klopp's side a 4-2 lead when he rounded Newcastle shot-stopper Martin Dubravka with a deft touch.

It looked like the Portuguese forward would secure all three points and tap into an empty net but instead, he went down before referee Anthony Taylor pointed to the spot – a decision that certainly got people talking online.

Like many fans watching Monday night's game, Magpies forward Alan Shearer was furious with the controversial decision. He even took to social media to vent his frustration after Ian Wright made his voice heard.

"I can't believe a player would go down when they've got an empty net!" 🤯@Carra23 says Diogo Jota went down far too easily for the second Liverpool penalty pic.twitter.com/sY0LNxj7XY

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 1, 2024

So what did Dubravka think of the decision? The 34-year-old goalkeeper, who faced a total of 34 shots on the evening – 15 of which were on target – mentioned VAR's lack of involvement in the fourth goal.

But when push comes to shove, the Slovakia international knows there was contact.

"It is a frustration because he's a clever guy," he told NUFC TV. "I tried to pull my arms and not catch him. I felt the contact but I don't know what else I should do.

"In the end it was a penalty, so there's no point in arguing with them. With the VAR... I don't know what to say. I tried to save another penalty [from Salah] but it was just a gamble."

Martin Dúbravka reacts to the loss against Liverpool. 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/qLZEJUaKgH

— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) January 2, 2024

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, on the other hand, believes it shouldn't have been a penalty.

“A lot happened,” Howe said in his post-match interview. “Action packed game. We're disappointed with the way we defended.

"I didn't think the second one was a penalty. And I did think Sean Longstaff's one before that was. It shouldn't be given.

"Martin has pulled his hand away. He's had two steps before going down. For me it's not a penalty. Even the first one the contact was so minimal. We feel hard done by."

Howe wasn't the only one to play down the decision. Gary Neville, who was on commentary dury for Sky Sports, said: "Oh no. You can't give a penalty for that.

"He goes forward and then goes forward and then goes down. The delay is too great. It's two or three yards after the contact."

Neville added: "The Liverpool fans have been booing referee Taylor but he has done them a favour there. I don't think that was a penalty."