Alan Shearer calls out referee decision that went against Newcastle United at Brighton

Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has questioned the referee’s decision to rule out Callum Wilson’s goal against Brighton and Hove Albion.

Newcastle United played out a 0-0 draw at the Amex Stadium as Eddie Howe’s side hung on for a valuable point in their first away match of the 2022-23 Premier League season.

Goalkeeper Nick Pope was at his very best to keep out efforts from Solly March and Adam Lallana, while Kieran Trippier and Fabian Schar both made goal-line clearances.

But before Brighton’s dominance in the second half, Shearer feels United were unfortunate not to be in the lead inside the opening quarter of an hour.

Wilson put the ball in the net on 14 minutes but referee Graham Scott blew for a high boot on Adam Webster before the ball crossed the line.

Shearer, speaking on Match of the Day, believes that was the wrong call.

He said: “I just thought the referee was far too quick to blow his whistle here. He blows it for dangerous play.

“The defender is a yard away from Callum Wilson. Dangerous play? The defender is no where near him!

“Everyone stops because the referee, in my opinion, goes far too quick.”

Howe also gave a similar response when asked about the disallowed goal.

“I’d need to see it again,” Howe said. “My initial reaction was I thought it was harsh and given too quickly.

“The decision could have been let go to see what VAR said but it wasn’t to be.”