Jeff Stelling slams ‘terrible production decision’ during Match of the Day as controversial moment overlooked

Jeff Stelling believes BBC's Match of the Day were poor to not show a 'controversial' VAR call during Newcastle United's 4-3 win over West Ham United.

Eddie Howe's side were awarded a penalty whilst trailing 3-1 in the game as loanee Kalvin Phillips appeared to collide with Anthony Gordon inside the box.

With VAR at Stockley Park asking referee Rob Jones to take another look at the decision, Alexander Isak eventually stepped up to score with opinion still split on the matter.

As it transpired, the Magpies went on to complete a staggering comeback, with Harvey Barnes netting twice inside the final ten minutes to ensure a famous comeback win.

The Hammers were left bitterly disappointed after leading the game for large periods and it was Stelling who shared those frustrations, speaking to talkSPORT.

"Interesting that Match of the Day decided the second Newcastle pen was not worth discussing despite it being probably the most controversial decision of the weekend," he began.

"Not the fault btw of Alex Scott just terrible production decision."

It was once again Phillips who was lambasted in the aftermath after only just coming into the pitch before fouling fellow England team-mate Gordon.

Getty)

St. James' Park was a sight of pandemonium following the full-time whistle, as Newcastle kept up their slim hopes of European qualification with a win over the Hammers.

Speaking after the clash in the north-east, Howe insisted the despite his sides setback, the spirit was always there to get back into the game.

"It gives us renewed confidence – and hope," insisted the Magpies boss.

"We still feel we have an opportunity to make something of our season.

"If we’d lost it would have been difficult to do that but, when you’re chasing a game you want chaos and we definitely had that.

"At 3-1 down, it looked a really difficult point in our season but the players remained calm.

"They’re incredible professionals and that’s an incredible win for us."

Topics: Newcastle United, Eddie Howe, Jeff Stelling

Matthew Holt

Matthew is a Freelance Sports Journalist who also works for Manchester United, GOAL and Reach PLC. He supports Scunthorpe United.

@_mattyholt