Simon Jordan makes Jurgen Klopp claim after Liverpool v Newcastle United controversy

Simon Jordan has become the latest pundit to question a decision given against Newcastle United in Monday night's defeat against Liverpool.

The Magpies were second best throughout the 4-2 loss at Anfield and struggled to contain their title-chasing hosts, who had 22 shots during a largely one-sided contest. However, just minutes after Sven Botman had got Eddie Howe's side back into the game when his header made it 3-2 with ten minutes remaining, there was a major talking point as Diogo Jota won a penalty for the Reds.

The Portuguese forward raced in behind the United defence before rounding goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, who seemed to make minimal contact with the former Wolverhampton Wanderers star. Jota, despite having an open goal at his mercy, took two further steps before going to ground, much to the surprise of many onlookers.

On-field referee Anthony Taylor wasted little time in pointing to the spot and his decision was surprisingly backed up by VAR official Stuart Attwell. That allowed the impressive Mo Salah to step up and slot home his second goal of the night and ensure Liverpool claimed all three points to move clear at the top of the Premier League table.

Jordan hit out at Jota for his conduct and criticised the decision-making process between Taylor and Attwell before suggesting Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp would have been 'demented' had the same decision gone against his side.

“It was a dive, the wasn’t a fine line, it was poor officiating,” he told talkSPORT.

“It was a poor on-field decision, and it was an even poorer VAR decision.  That to me, Klopp would have been demented if that was at the other end because that wasn’t a penalty.  It wasn’t a penalty.  It’s not his job to mention it.  Ultimately, nobody is expecting it, we only expect managers to criticise.”

Newcastle will avoid any VAR decisions this weekend when they travel to Sunderland in the FA Cup third round as VAR is only being used in ties held at Premier League venues.