Ex-Premier League official disagrees with Eddie Howe on key Newcastle United incident

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher believes Sam Allison was right to rule out Fabian Schar’s goal against Fulham.

Newcastle United thought they had broken the deadlock late on when the Swiss international squeezed past Bernd Leno at the near post. However, a lengthy VAR check ensued as Dan Burn was judged to have fouled Calvin Bassey in the build-up.

Fortunately for the Magpies, Bruno Guimaraes restored their lead just moments later, drilling home a first-time shot to send the away end into raptures. The Magpies held on for all three points to boost their European hopes.

Schar’s disallowed goal might have proven controversial if Newcastle did not go on to win regardless. Eddie Howe - a public critic of VAR - insisted his team were robbed of an earlier opener.

"Live, I thought it was a goal,” he told reporters. “Dan (Burn) jumped aggressively but fairly. I wasn't surprised it went to VAR because these things normally do, but then I thought VAR would say it was fine.

"Then I thought the referee would go over and review his decision, which he gave as a goal, I thought he would have the strong mindset to have a look, but he didn't. I thought it was a perfectly good goal (which was) ruled out."

Speaking to Sky Sports, former top-flight official Gallagher agreed with Allison that Burn fouled Bassey. The Irishman said: “He pushes him, he gets above him and stops him from heading the ball. (It is a) foul for me."