The Premier League have released a statement explaining the decision award Newcastle United a penalty during their showdown with Nottingham Forest at St. James’ Park.
The Magpies were handed the perfect opportunity to double their lead after VAR intervened to send official Jared Gillett to the monitor.
The Australian, who had originally not awarded a spot kick changed his decision, allowing Alexander Isak to get on the scoresheet from 12 yards—squeezing his spot-kick home past former Magpie Matz Selz.
It came after Lewis Hall’s initial cross was adjudged to have been blocked by the arm of Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina. The full-back jumped, turning his back, with the cross seemingly striking the left arm of the 28-year-old.
In a post on X from Premier League Match Centre said: “VAR recommended an on-field review for a possible handball by Aina – with his arm deemed to be in an unnatural position.
“Upon review, the referee awarded a penalty to Newcastle United.”
Eddie Howe’s side made the worst possible start as Callum Hudson-Odoi capitalised on poor positioning from Nick Pope, curling home long-range. However, Newcastle pushed for the equaliser and put Forest under severe pressure.
Eventually, the visitors completely collapsed with the first-half tipping in their favour. Lewis Miley equalised with a well-taken volley while parity was only restored for a matter of minutes as Jacob Murphy bundled the ball home to give Newcastle the lead.
The overturning of Gillett’s initial decision gave the hosts a chance to move into a two-goal lead with Isak making no mistake.
Just a minute later, the 25-year-old had his second of the afternoon as he lifted the ball over Selz after bursting beyond the Forest backline.
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