Premier League issue official statement following Newcastle United incident v Bournemouth

William Osula scored his sixth goal of the season for Newcastle United against Bournemouth at St James’ Park.

Newcastle United striker William Osula made it two goals in as many games for the club as he drew the side level at St James’ Park on Saturday afternoon.

Newcastle United's Danish striker #18 William Osula scores the team's first goal during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Bournemouth at St James' Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on April 18, 2026. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / | AFP via Getty Images

placeholder image — Newcastle United's Danish striker #18 William Osula scores the team's first goal during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Bournemouth at St James' Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on April 18, 2026. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / | AFP via Getty Images

The Danish forward cancelled out Marcus Tavernier’s first half opener with a good run and show of footwork inside the penalty area before slotting the ball in to make it 1-1. The offside flag was quickly raised with Osula appearing to be in an offside position when he received the initial pass.

The ball was thought to be played by Bruno Guimaraes but a VAR check showed that it was in fact Bournemouth’s Evanilson who played the ball and the goal was given.

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Explaining the incident, the Premier League’s Match Centre issued a short statement.

It read: “68’ VAR OVERTURN After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of offside against Osula. Referee announcement: “After review, there is clear evidence that Bournemouth number 9 plays the ball forward. Final decision is goal.”

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Newcastle’s celebrations were short-lived as Bournemouth went back in front through Adrien Truffert in the closing stages.

It looked set to condemn Newcastle to a fourth straight defeat in all competitions, with a trip to Premier League leaders Arsenal up next.

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