Dermot Gallagher makes ‘obvious’ admission over Newcastle United’s controversial Brentford win

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has issued his verdict on some of the controversial decisions during Newcastle United’s narrow win over Brentford.

The Magpies needed a win at home to the Bees over the weekend, and they got one thanks to Callum Wilson’s penalty. Eddie Howe’s men had lost three of their first four games to start the season, and a win was important to turn the tide, particularly ahead of the Champions League campaign kicking off.

Though, while Newcastle did get their three points, it wasn’t without controversy, with Brentford boss Thomas Frank claiming he was due an apology for the penalty decision which resulted in the Magpies’ victory.

The penalty was given after Brentford keeper Mark Flekken made contact with Anthony Gordon on the byline, with the Magpies forward out of space and heading out of play.

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Frank said: “It’s not the ref who has given it but the linesman, and he needs to be absolutely bang-on, 100 per cent sure if you want to decide an even game between two teams that gave each other a fantastic game, in fact.

“That means that VAR have checked, but can’t do anything because it’s not a clear and obvious failure. I’m pretty sure that Howard Webb will come back to us and say ‘Sorry, we made a mistake’.”

On the back of the incident, former referee Gallagher has given his verdict, telling Sky Sports: “The referee [Craig Pawson] did not think so. It is very interesting as it took so long to give it that it was obvious the assistant had given it.

“You can see from the assistant’s angle that he thought the goalkeeper had put his leg in and Gordon goes over it. It all depends on whether he thinks the goalkeeper has got him. He does not get the ball, that is the only certainty. I think if you split referees, some will give it and some will not.”

The other controversial incident saw Newcastle have a goal ruled out for Wilson’s alleged foul on Flekken, but Gallagher believes it was the correct decision upon further inspection.

“I thought the goalkeeper flapped at the ball but Callum Wilson actually blocks his arm,” he added. “It was a good spot.”