Eddie Howe reacts to ‘clear’ refereeing error in Newcastle United’s defeat to Chelsea

Newcastle United’s 1-0 defeat at Chelsea wasn’t without it’s refereeing controversy.
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Eddie Howe felt Newcastle United were denied a “clear penalty” in their 1-0 defeat at Chelsea.

The Magpies were within minutes of earning a deserved point at Stamford Bridge before Kai Havertz broke the deadlock on 89 minutes.

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The late heartbreak brought further attention on referee David Coote’s decision not to award Newcastle a spot-kick on 57 minutes.

Jacob Murphy got the better of Trevoh Chalobah on left and appeared to have his shirt pulled by the Blues full-back.

Coote - and VAR - were unmoved by United’s loud penalty appeals.

“Can’t look past the penalty for me,” Howe said when giving his immediate assessment of the loss in West London.

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“(I’m) hugely disappointed with that decision and how they’ve reached that decision.

“It’s a penalty, Jacob has had his shirt ripped and goes down in the box. It’s clear penalty.

“Even if the referee doesn’t give it on the pitch, I can understand that but VAR should see it and at least make the referee review it.

“If he does, I think he realises he got it wrong.”

Newcastle’s nine-game unbeaten run in the Premier League came to an end, however they remain nine points above the relegation zone with Everton next up on Thursday night.

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Howe added: “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.”