Alan Shearer fumes at 'poor' Newcastle decision against Brentford

Alan Shearer has criticised the decision to award Brentford a second penalty against Newcastle United during the first half of action on Saturday.

Eddie Howe's men started slightly off pace in this fixture as they saw their former striker Ivan Toney score in the eighth minute before VAR intervened to disallow the goal for offside.

Shortly after this, the hosts were awarded a penalty thanks to a challenge from Sven Botman in his own area, only to see Toney miss his first spot-kick since October 2018. A let off for Howe and his men.

The scoreline remained 0-0 but Newcastle were eventually made to pay for the lacklustre start, after VAR intervened on a challenge from Alexander Isak on Rico Henry to award the second penalty of the afternoon. An opportunity Toney took with both hands as he made no mistake from 12-yards out.

The decision by the VAR officials to intervene in what they thought was a clear and obvious mistake by referee Chris Kavanagh has since been criticised. As seen below by former striker Alan Shearer, who took to Twitter to voice his frustrations regarding the matter.

Speaking on his personal Twitter account, Shearer said: “Never ever clear and obvious. Another long wait. Bull****. Having said that it’s s*** decision. #NUFC have been poor in that first half also.”

Having said that it’s shit decision. #NUFC have been poor in that first half also. #BRENEW

— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) April 8, 2023

Never ever clear and obvious. Another long wait. Bullshit. #BRENEW

— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) April 8, 2023

Despite the decision going against them, Newcastle went on to secure all three points thanks to goals from Isak and an own-goal from Brentford shot-stopper David Raya. Moving The Magpies up into third place above fellow Champions League chasers Manchester United.

Howe's squad will now prepare for a tough challenge next weekend against Unai Emery's Aston Villa side, who are currently on a seven match unbeaten streak in the top flight of English football.