Eddie Howe reacts to ‘pathetic’ decision that went against Newcastle United in defeat to Manchester City

Eddie Howe was left baffled at the decision not to award Newcastle United a first-half penalty during their 4-0 defeat to Manchester City.

The Premier League champions grabbed a two-goal lead after Ruben Dias and Joao Cancelo struck inside the opening 27 minutes.

Ryan Fraser, whilst chasing down a City defender, was wiped out by goalkeeper Ederson but referee Martin Atkinson was unmoved.

There was an air of anticipation inside St James’ Park that VAR would intervene, however that was not the case. And Howe, not for the first time this week, was aggrieved.

Jason Tindall and Jamaal Lascelles complained to Atkinson at the half-time whistle as the latter was booed down the tunnel.

In the second-half, City wrapped up the game with further strikes from Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling.

What Eddie Howe said about the penalty decision

Howe told NewcastleWorld: “I hope you know me well enough by now but you probably don’t know but I’m not the type of manager that looks for excuses or looks to blame the officials in these situations but again, I think it’s another clear, clear moment - a big moment in the game that has gone against us.

“I’m shaking my head at it because the goalkeeper is out of control, he’s wiped Ryan (Fraser) out. It’s a stonewall penalty for me, how VAR hasn’t intervened or how they haven’t come to that decision is a really strange one for me.”

What have others have said?

Toon legend Alan Shearer described the decision as “pathetic”.