Official involved in Newcastle United VAR controversy dropped from this weekend’s Premier League fixture list

The VAR official at the heart of a controversial moment in Newcastle United’s goalless draw against Crystal Palace has not been selected for this weekend’s Premier League fixtures.

Lee Mason was integral in the decision to disallow an own goal by Eagles defender Tyrick Mitchell after advising referee Michael Salisbury to assess the incident via a pitch-side monitor.

The official then overturned his decision after punishing Joe Willock for colliding with visitors keeper Vicente Guaita, despite a seemingly obvious push by England left-back Mitchell.

The decision provoked fury from United supporters as replays of the incident were shown on the screen inside St James Park - and their reaction was matched by Magpies manager Eddie Howe.

Speaking after the game, he commented: “I disagree with the decision; I thought it should be a goal. I thought Joe was pushed. He is running in and is pushed into the keeper.

“I am not sure what Joe is supposed to do there. For me it is a perfectly good goal. “Without that push, there’s no way Joe would have gone in with that force. So for me, it’s not a foul, if anything, it’s a penalty if it’s not a goal. “You hope it is not one of those days where you get caught by a sucker punch. I have to credit my players for not losing focus and discipline. In terms of effort and the team pulling together it has been really good.”

The Premier League asked the Professional Game Match Officials Limited to review the decision after a weekend of errors in the top flight.

The PGMOL confirmed they will ‘co-operate and collaborate’ with the governing body in order to aid the development of their match officials.

A statement read: “PGMOL acknowledge the incidents to disallow the goals in the Chelsea v West Ham and Newcastle v Crystal Palace fixtures.

“We will fully co-operate and collaborate with the Premier League and their request to review these two particular incidents, using the outcome as part of the ongoing assessment of weekly performances and the development of our match officials going forward.”

Bolton-born Mason was also on VAR duties six days earlier when he opted against drawing referee’s attention to a pull on Sean Longstaff during the 1-1 draw at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

However, his name was absent from a list of appointments for next weekend’s Premier League fixtures.

Salisbury, the man in the middle at St James Park against Palace, will be on VAR duties for Southampton’s home game against Brentford on Saturday.

The Magpies game at West Ham United on Sunday afternoon will be officiated by Craig Pawson, with Paul Tierney on VAR duties.