Former Newcastle United stars question VAR penalty call at Manchester United

Former Newcastle United and England defender Jonathan Woodgate questioned whether his old club were victims of another VAR error against Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.

The Magpies have been on the wrong end of a number of incorrect decisions throughout the first two months of the season, with the PGMOL admitting one error in a goalless home draw against Crystal Palace.

And Eddie Howe’s men had a strong argument for feeling frustrated once again at Old Trafford on Sunday when Callum Wilson seemed to be upended by Red Devils defender Raphael Varane inside the opening 15 minutes.

Acting on co-commentary duties Woodgate initially told BBC 5Live Sports Extra: “I’d be surprised if that was a penalty.

“It was brilliant recovery from Martinez because he (Wilson) just seemed to get away from Varane.  It’s the recovery again from Martinez.  He’s started strong and aggressive.”

However, the former United and England defender reassessed the situation after watching a replay of the incident.

Despite being cut off, Woodgate seemed to indicate his surprise that on-field referee Craig Pawson was not asked to look at the challenge by VAR official Jarred Gillett.

He said: “If you were the referee and you had another look?”

Woodgate’s former Magpies team-mate Shay Given was left in no doubt over the decision, saying: “I cannot understand how that isn’t a penalty for Newcastle - Varane cuts right across him”