Newcastle United Denied Penalty Against Burnley Despite James Tarkowski High Foot

Newcastle United were aggrieved as the referee and VAR somehow denied them a penalty, despite James Tarkowski's high foot.

Steve Bruce's side are desperate for points as their battle with Fulham to avoid relegation looks to be going down to the final day of the Premier League season, when the two sides face each other.

On Sunday, the north east side went behind in the first half to a Matej Vydra goal after just 18 minutes and looked certain to go into half-time still behind.

Just as the first half was coming to an end Newcastle nearly equalised as Dwight Gayle forced a brilliant point blank save from stand in keeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell.

From the rebound Bruce's team felt certain they should have a penalty, when Tarkowski looked to have kicked Sean Longstaff in the face, as he cleared the ball, but it wasn't given.

At half time the Professional Game Match Officials Board gave an explanation for why the penalty wasn't given.

In a short statement, read out on Sky Sports, the PGMOL said, "Tarkowski has played the ball first and then Longstaff has stooped and put his head into that area."

It's obviously not the first time this season that VAR has been the centre of controversy, and it's not even the first time this weekend.

On Saturday, Liverpool had their equaliser against Aston Villa ruled out for the closest of offside decisions.

Fortunately for Jurgen Klopp's side they ended up winning the game, thanks to Trent Alexander-Arnold's brilliant winner.

Topics: Football, Premier League, Burnley, Newcastle United, VAR

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

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