Eddie Howe agrees as Premier League issue official statement after Newcastle United v Ipswich Town incident
The Premier League released two statements during Newcastle United’s 3-0 win over Ipswich Town.
VAR played its role in Newcastle United’s 3-0 win over Ipswich Town at St James’ Park.
A first-half penalty from Alexander Isak and further goals from Dan Burn and substitute Will Osula saw the Magpies move back up to third in the Premier League table in their quest for Champions League qualification.
Meanwhile, the defeat for Ipswich confirmed their relegation from England’s top-flight after just one season.
Newcastle United 3-0 Ipswich Town: Premier League issue two VAR statement
Midway through the first half, Bruno Guimaraes had a goal disallowed when he was adjudged to have fouled Ipswich goalkeeper Alex Palmer. VAR checked the goal and stuck with referee Michael Salisbury’s on-field decision, despite the replays showing the Brazilian simply stood his ground.
Ipswich were reduced to 10 men in the 37th minute when Ben Johnson was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Isak. His first caution only came seven minutes earlier when he was booked for a dive.
But before that, VAR checked for a potential Sam Morsy red card when he got involved in an altercation with Joe Willock. However, the Egyptian stayed on the field and VAR, via the Premier League Match Centre, explained their decision.
“VAR checked for a potential red card against Morsy- and deemed that there was no act of violent conduct,” they wrote on X.
Tempers then began to flare in the closing stages of the first-half but Isak managed to keep his cool when he opened the scoring from the penalty spot.
Salisbury initially waved away the appeals after Jacob Murphy went to ground under a challenge from Julio Enciso. However, VAR intervened to send Salisbury to the monitor and the decision was overturned.
“VAR checked the referee’s call of no penalty to Newcastle United for a challenge by Enciso on Murphy – and deemed Enciso committed a pulling offence and recommended an on-field review,” the Premier League Match Centre explained. “The referee overturned the original decision and awarded a penalty to Newcastle.”
Eddie Howe agrees with Newcastle United penalty decision
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Howe believes the right decision was correct.
He said: “Well, I felt instantly it was a penalty. I felt like Jacob was stopped. I wasn't sure whether VAR would get involved and force the referee's hand. I was obviously pleased that they did because my initial view, it was a clear penalty.
“But was it a clear and obvious error? People that have seen it again will tell me. I haven't had that luxury yet.”
Ten minutes into the second-half, United doubled their lead when Burn headed home Kieran Trippier’s cross. Trippier then claimed another assist after his corner was headed home by Osula for his first his Premier League goal.