Eddie Howe’s 15-word response as Premier League acknowledge Newcastle United complaint

Eddie Howe has confirmed Newcastle United DID receive a response from the Premier League after complaining about the standard of officiating in December.

The Magpies were left incensed after standout decisions in the Christmas defeats against Leicester City, Liverpool and Manchester City went against them.

During the visit to the King Power Stadium, James Maddison appeared to have dived over an out-stretched leg from Jamaal Lascelles to win a penalty.

VAR did not advise referee Peter Bankes to take a second look at the monitor as Youri Tielemans opened the scoring from the spot in a 4-0 loss.

Then, at Anfield, Isaac Hayden was down in the box with a head injury but referee Mike Dean waved play on and Diogo Jota equalised during a 3-1 loss for United.

Head injury protocols require the referee to stop play when there is a head injury.

And perhaps the most controversial of them all, Manchester City goalkeeper whipped out Ryan Fraser in the box as United trailed 2-0 at St James’ Park.

The expected outcome was VAR would either overturn Martin Atkinson’s on-field decision or ask him to take a look at the monitor.

Neither of those took place - leaving Howe & Co angered after three obvious decisions had gone against them in the space of seven days.

Why Newcastle complained to the Premier League

Speaking about lodging the complaint at the time, Howe said: “All we’re asking for is some clarity on the decisions and how the officials have come to those decisions.

“That’s all we’re asking for to help the processes for the future. Those decisions have influenced the results, I’ve got no doubt about that.

“There’s definitely a feeling of injustice among our group. There’s been disbelief in the games at a few of the things that have gone against us.”

Newcastle hear back from Premier League - Eddie Howe’s 15-word response

Howe, speaking ahead of Newcastle’s trip to Brentford on Saturday, was asked if he had received a response from the Premier League.

In a short 15-word reply, Howe said: “Yes, we got a letter back and it was an enjoyable read and that’s it…” before laughing.

Since the Man City game on December 19, controversial referee decisions have been few and far between for United.

And Howe will hope that remains the case in their battle to retain their Premier League status.