Alan Shearer blasts ex-Premier League referee over controversial Newcastle United v Arsenal call

Alan Shearer was left furious at the decision to overturn Newcastle United’s penalty during their 2-0 defeat to Arsenal.

The Magpies were awarded a spot-kick inside the opening 10 minutes after Bruno Guimaraes’ shot hit the arm of Jakub Kiwior. However, following a lengthy VAR check, where referee Chris Kavanagh reviewed the incident at the pitchside monitor, Kavanagh changed his mind.

The wait slowed down United’s fast start and Martin Odegaard swiftly opened the scoring with a low shot from 25 yards. An own goal from Fabian Schar in the second half then wrapped up the win for the visitors.

Kavanagh deemed the ball to have hit Kiwior’s thigh before striking his arm, but Shearer was not convinced it was a clear and obvious error. Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher got the full brunt of the Magpies legend’s frustrations.

“You think Dermot or you know?” Shearer asked on Premier League productions. Gallagher replied: “Well I’m convinced it’s hit the top of his thigh.”

Shearer added: “Are you 100% certain that’s hit the top of his leg and it’s an absolute howler from the referee?” Gallagher repsonded: “I think the fact is he’s given the penalty that I don’t think is handball.”

The Premier League’s record goalscorer wasn’t entirely satisfied with Gallagher’s reasoning and said: “Can you answer the question?”

Gallagher answered “yeah I think it is a howler [to award the penalty in the first place].”

Shearer wasn’t done there: “Are you absolutely 10% certain that’s hit his leg on the replays that you’ve seen? Because I can’t see it, you must have better eyes than I have, and why’s it taken seven replays if it’s that certain?”

Defeat for Eddie Howe’s side means they sit just three points ahead of fifth place Liverpool, although do have a game in-hand.

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