Premier League Explanation After 'Clear Error' in Newcastle vs Chelsea

The Premier League have released a statement explaining why referee Andy Madley chose not to give a decision in Newcastle’s favour against Chelsea despite Magpies head coach Eddie Howe branding it a “clear error”.

Howe’s Newcastle and Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea put on an entertaining spectacle for supporters at a gloomy St. James’ Park.

The home side opened the scoring through Nick Woltemade just four minutes in, before the German added a second on 20 minutes, which was his seventh Premier League goal in 14 top-flight appearances since arriving from Stuttgart for £69 million in the summer transfer window.

And it looked like it was going to be the Magpies’ day until Chelsea right-back Reece James produced a moment of magic, scoring a long-range free-kick, leaving Aaron Ramsdale with no chance four minutes after the break.

On 66 minutes, Blues forward Joao Pedro levelled things with a cool finish after running free from Malick Thiaw, who should have won the initial aerial duel.

The entertaining clash was end-to-end for the rest of the match, with Harvey Barnes missing a key chance to put Newcastle ahead when he met Bruno Guimaraes’ cross with just over five minutes left to play.

There was also a contentious decision when James brought Barnes down as he was sprinting towards the goal, with some questioning whether the challenge warranted a red card, but the on-field decision was upheld after a VAR check, and the Chelsea skipper remained on the pitch.

After the match, Howe homed in on another decision which occurred in the 55th minute of the match.

CHALOBAH COLLIDES WITH GORDON! 😯

NO PENALTY! 🤯

Newcastle 2-1 Chelsea https://t.co/KTS31efyX0 pic.twitter.com/nAoVmlwJR8

— Enare mbeku (@Eneh25) December 20, 2025

Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah forcefully shoulder barged Anthony Gordon, who went to ground in the penalty area, but the referee waved away the protests, much to the dismay of Howe, who branded the call a “clear error” in a post-match interview.

“I think anywhere else on the pitch, that's a blatant free kick,” Howe said.

“When it went to VAR, and of course, they check everything, I thought this was going to be overturned.

“It's a clear error because that's a clearer penalty, as I've seen. I think the defender only focuses on Ant. They've said it's shielding, but I don't agree with that analysis. I'm really disappointed that wasn't given.

“This one decision, I think, was wrong. I think that's where VAR really should intervene. Yeah, it's a difficult one to work out because seeing it live, I thought it was clear.”

Before Howe offered his thoughts on the controversial decision, the Premier League had already posted an explanation via their Match Centre on X.

The post read: “The referee’s call of no penalty to Newcastle was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the contact from Chalobah on Gordon deemed to be side-to-side in a shielding action and the ball within playing distance.”

Newcastle return to action away at Manchester United on December 26, while Chelsea face Aston Villa at home the following day.