Premier League official document hits back at Newcastle United protests following Everton incidents
The Premier League has released its latest Key Match Incidents report involving Newcastle United’s 1-0 defeat to Everton.
Newcastle United were beaten 1-0 by Everton at St James’ Park last week following Thierno Barry’s strike early in the second half.
A free-kick routine saw Lukas Hornicek spill Tyrique George’s shot only for Barry to tap the ball into an empty net to ultimately secure three points for Everton. The goal was subject to a VAR check for offside before being given.
But Newcastle head coach Matthias Jaissle felt it should have been ruled out for a foul on Fabian Schar in the build-up. The Swiss centre-back appeared to be hit by Barry moments before the Everton forward found the net.
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Schar went down holding his head before the ball hit the net and had to leave the pitch to receive treatment in the aftermath.
Reflecting on the goal, Jaissle told the Gazette: “From my perspective in the game, I think we did an unforced error in the build-up, which led them to a free kick. Then we were, to be honest, we were just sleeping.
“It's too easy that they make a quick free kick and we are surprised. Also, part of the truth is that in my eyes it was a foul, at least if he's bleeding, then assume that there is something. And of course, on a good day Lukas will save it.”
Premier League KMI report published
But an official report from the independent Key Match Incidents (KMI) panel shared by the Premier League have provided a unanimous verdict on all key decisions in the match, which also saw Newcastle midfielder Jacob Ramsey sent off for two yellow cards in quick succession.
The KMI panel voted 5-0 in all incidents, believing referee John Brooks and his assistants got all of them correct.
On Barry’s goal, the KMI report said: “5:0 Correct. The on-field onside decision to award the goal was supported. The panel supported the referee's call of no foul by Barry on Schar. Barry was ahead of the Newcastle defender and the contact was below the threshold for a foul.”
A penalty shout for Newcastle was also deemed to be correctly turned down.
“5:0 Correct,” the report read. The referee's call of no penalty for a challenge by Rohl on Hall was supported.”
On Ramsey’s red card, the report concluded: “The panel unanimously supported the referee's call of a second caution for Ramsey for a reckless challenge.”