Newcastle United are asking PGMOL to explain why a penalty was not awarded in the 2-2 draw with Chelsea, after Anthony Gordon appeared to be bundled over by Trevoh Chalobah, a moment that came as Newcastle United surrendered a two-goal lead at St James' Park.
The incident happened after Chelsea had already begun their comeback through goals from Reece James and Joao Pedro, and referee Andy Madley let play continue, with VAR supporting the on-field decision, while the Premier League Match Centre later described Chalobah’s challenge as a side-to-side shielding action with the ball close enough to play.
Head coach Eddie Howe confirmed that Newcastle United are pressing PGMOL for an explanation of the decision, saying: "Yes, we will be seeking clarification
[from PGMOL] and those calls have already gone in, not from me personally but from the club," as Howe previewed the Boxing Day visit to Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Howe outlined why Newcastle United remain unhappy with the penalty call, adding: "We just want to know the thought process behind the decisions. I wouldn't want to train them to deliver that kind of challenge in the box because you are going to give the referees a decision to make. I think one of the arts of defending is not to put yourself in that position. I thought, and I still do, it was a clear penalty having reviewed it, and I have not changed my mind. "
Eddie Howe speaks to the media ahead of our Boxing Day trip to Old Trafford pic.twitter.com/Mqkk8pD2FINewcastle United (@NUFC) December 23, 2025
That frustration comes as Newcastle United spend Christmas in the bottom half of the Premier League table, although the situation could shift quickly, as a victory against Manchester United on Friday at Old Trafford would be enough to lift Newcastle United as high as seventh place.
Howe believes the bigger picture around Newcastle United is improving despite mixed early results, explaining: "I'd say we have been inconsistent at times our away form early in the season, although we were very good defensively, certainly in terms of our attacking output, we were way below the level we can. I'd say that has steadily improved. So the challenge is to hit those levels that we know we are capable of home and away. I believe we can do it. I believe the confidence is returning internally, and now we have to show we can do it. "
Newcastle United now balance their complaint over the Chelsea penalty with preparation for a key Boxing Day fixture, as Howe looks for a stronger away display, greater attacking threat and proof that the rising internal confidence can translate into results in the Premier League standings.
