'I don't understand' - Brighton & Hove Albion star issues Newcastle United complaint
Newcastle United beat Brighton & Hove Albion 3-1 to return to winning ways in the Premier League.
Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Pascal Gross felt he was wrongly denied a penalty in their 3-1 defeat to Newcastle United.
Newcastle ended their five-match losing streak with goals from Will Osula, Dan Burn and substitute Harvey Barnes.
Osula and Burn netted in the first half before Barnes added a third in the 95th minute after Jack Hinshelwood had pulled one back for the visitors.
Brighton & Hove Albion denied penalty v Newcastle United
At 2-1, Brighton had a penalty appeal turned down when Gross’ shot hit Malick Thiaw’s arm before goalkeeper Nick Pope dived to keep out Charalampos Kostoulas’ acrobatic effort.
A VAR check did take place but the Stockley Park officials stood by referee Chris Kavanagh’s on-field decision, as the replays showed Thiaw’s arm was down by his side. However, Gross believes the officials reached the wrong decision.
“We had some big chances to make it 2-2,” the German told The Argus. “I also think it’s a penalty, in my opinion, because when I shot the ball he blocked it with his arm and, if he had not, it would have gone in. I don’t understand why we didn’t get a penalty.”
Newcastle United relieved after Brighton & Hove Albion
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe admitted his side rode their luck at times after Yankuba Minteh missed from six yards out at 2-1 but felt they got their just rewards.
“From an emotional level, that was a massive win for us,” Howe said during his post-match press conference. “We knew it, everyone knew it internally.
“I think we've been building towards that for a few weeks and the training has been really strong, it's been really committed, it's been very competitive. And I'm a big believer that you always end up getting your rewards for that if your work continues to be strong and credit to the players for sticking together, staying united.
“Behind the scenes, they've been excellent and at times we've rode a little bit of luck today, but I think we've more than deserved that in the recent weeks.”