Former Premier League referee responds to Newcastle United’s complaints over Casemiro goal

Newcastle United tasted defeat at Wembley, with the Brazilian midfielder breaking the deadlock for on 33 minutes after heading home Luke Shaw’s free-kick delivery.

Some Magpies supporters felt aggrieved at the awarding of the free-kick in the first place with Bruno Guimares penalised for a foul on Marcus Rashford.

Gallagher, however, believes there can no complaints.

“I think it is a foul,” Gallagher told Sky Sports’ Ref Watch. “I think he (Bruno) has gone in. You look at the ball, he’s not near the ball.He hasn’t actually gone shoulder to shoulder (with Rashford). I think it is a foul, there is no doubt about it for me.

“I think it becomes a bigger talking point because a goal (scored by Casemiro) results from the free-kick. It is what I talk about many times, it is about consequence.

“If that ball (from the free-kick) had got floated in and got headed over the bar, we wouldn’t really be looking at that free-kick, but because it results in a goal, it becomes a talking point. But I do think it is a foul.”

Some supporters also felt Casemiro came from an offside position to head home Shaw’s out-swinging delivery. There was a VAR check but the goal stood.

“They come to the right decision, and this is where VAR is really good,” Gallagher said. “It was given on field as a goal so the assistant got it correct. Casemiro is just marginally onside so it’s an excellent use of VAR.”

Man United quickly doubled their lead before half-time with Rashford’s shot fortuitously deflecting off Sven Botman and over Loris Karius.