Photo by George Wood/Getty Images

Eddie Howe Calls Out Officials & Pundits After Newcastle's Draw vs Chelsea

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Dec 20, 2025 10:39 AM ET

After leading 2-0 in the first half with two goals from Nick Woltemade, Newcastle United dropped points at St. James' Park to Chelsea, who managed to equalize in the second half.

Newcastle United took the lead in the 4th minute of the match through a goal by Woltemade. In the 20th minute, the German striker scored again, and Newcastle appeared to have a comfortable lead at halftime.

In the second half, Reece James scored a direct free kick in the 49th minute, which gave Chelsea a lot of momentum. It led to Chelsea's second goal as Joao Pedro scored in the 66th minute.

In the second half, there was considerable controversy surrounding the referee's decisions against Newcastle. One of the situations that caused controversy was Anthony Gordon being pushed off the ball in the box.

Should this have been a Newcastle penalty?

VAR ruled that there was no foul on Anthony Gordon by Trevoh Chalobah ❌ pic.twitter.com/oReAtH9fmg
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 20, 2025

The referee did not consider the play a penalty kick for Newcastle United, and the team's manager, Eddie Howe, expressed his belief that it was a foul and that the team should have been given a penalty.

Newcastle United Head Coach Eddie Howe and Newcastle United Assistant Head Coach Jason Tindall clap the fans following the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Chelsea at St James' Park on December 20, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Michelle Mercer/Newcastle United via Getty Images)

Eddie Howe on Anthony Gordon

After the match, Howe was asked whether Newcastle United should have been given a penalty during the match, specifically for the play between Anthony Gordon and Trevoh Chalobah.

Without hesitation, Howe said, "In my opinion, yes, I think it's a clear penalty. I think anywhere else on the pitch, that's a free kick."

VAR gave their explanation as to why the Gordon incident was not a penalty. The Match Centre said, "The referee’s call of no penalty to Newcastle was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the contact from Chalobah on Gordon deemed to be side-to-side in a shielding action and the ball within playing distance."

Howe disagreed and said, "It's not [shielding]. The defenders only look as Anthony knocked the ball and I think it's too aggressive."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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