Explained: Why Newcastle were denied a penalty against Chelsea after Anthony Gordon challenge
Newcastle United were left frustrated during today’s 2–2 draw with Chelsea after a strong penalty appeal involving Anthony Gordon was turned down. The incident came during the first half, when Gordon went down in the box after contact from Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah.
The moment quickly became one of the most talked-about highlights of the game, but neither the referee nor VAR deemed it a foul.
What happened in the penalty incident?
Gordon sprinted into the Chelsea penalty area and tried to get past Chalobah. Contact occurred, and Gordon fell to the ground, prompting immediate appeals from players, fans inside St James’ Park, and viewers watching at home.
While it looked like a potential penalty from some angles, match officials judged the challenge differently.
Why the referee waved play on
The referee decided that Chalobah made a legitimate attempt to contest the ball and that the contact was insufficient to justify a penalty. Additionally, it appeared that Gordon’s fall was exaggerated, which influenced the decision.
In modern football, not every contact in the penalty area is deemed a foul — officials must determine whether the defender genuinely impeded the attacker.
VAR review confirms decision
VAR reviewed the incident but chose not to intervene. Under Premier League rules, VAR can only overturn a decision if there is a “clear and obvious error.” Officials concluded that the referee’s call fell within acceptable interpretation, so the original no-penalty decision stood.
Impact on the match
The decision came at a key stage: Newcastle were 2–0 up after two early goals from Nick Woltemade but eventually saw Chelsea fight back to earn a 2–2 draw. The missed penalty appeal added to Newcastle’s frustration, as it could have extended their lead and potentially changed the match outcome.
Why these calls are often controversial
Penalty decisions involving pace, slight contact, and attacker reactions are highly subjective. Fans often see a clear foul, but referees and VAR must apply strict guidelines — ensuring only clear infractions result in a penalty.
Final takeaway
While Newcastle supporters were disappointed, the decision can be explained under current Premier League and VAR rules. Chalobah’s challenge was deemed legitimate, and Gordon’s fall did not meet the threshold for a penalty. The incident highlights how interpretation plays a major role in key moments and why VAR does not overturn every close call.