Eddie Howe and Anthony Gordon have hit out at VAR as they believe that Newcastle United should have been awarded a 'stonewall' penalty in Wednesday's 3-2 defeat at Manchester United in the Premier League.
The Magpies were trailing 1-0 at half time and shortly after Kobbie Mainoo's 31st-minute opener, Gordon burst forward in pursuit on an equaliser, but Casemiro intervened to make a vital sliding challenge and clear the danger.
However, replays show that Sofyan Amrabat caught Gordon's heel with his studs in the same action, forcing the Newcastle winger - whose sock had been ripped open by the Moroccan's challenge - to go to ground inside the penalty area.
VAR decided not to intervene and although Gordon restored parity for Newcastle early in the second half with his 11th league goal of the season, Man United regained the lead thanks to strikes from Amad Diallo and Rasmus Hojlund.
Lewis Hall pulled one back with a sweet 20-yard strike in stoppage time, but the Magpies were eventually condemned to defeat at Old Trafford in their penultimate Premier League fixture of the season.
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Gordon gives verdict on VAR decision
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Gordon said: "I have watched it back and it is a clear penalty. I don't mind the referee getting it wrong on the pitch, but I don't understand the point of VAR.
"He [Sofyan Amrabat] goes down my Achilles and pushes me in the back. I knew straight away, that is why I didn't appeal. I waited for the VAR to check, I told my teammates 'it was a clear penalty'. I don't understand the point of it, either get rid of it or get better - it's that simple.
"I think I am quite fond of [VAR]. Fond of the idea and it should work, but there are too many mistakes."
The latest VAR controversy comes just hours after it was revealed that Premier League clubs will take a vote on whether to scrap VAR from next season at their annual general meeting on June 6.
A vote has been triggered after Wolverhampton Wanderers formally submitted a resolution to the Premier League as they believe the use of VAR has led to "numerous unintended negative consequences that are damaging the relationship between fans and football".
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Howe reacts to 'stonewall' penalty call
Giving his verdict on the challenge made on Gordon at his post-match press conference, Howe said: "I was surprised [it wasn't given] because I was watching it back. It's a stonewall penalty. You have to see it one to three times to see where the contact is. I thought that's what VAR was good at."
Asked for his overall assessment on VAR following Wolves' submission for a resolution, Howe added: "I have always been in an era where the referee makes a decision, and I back it."
On Newcastle's performance at Man United, the Magpies boss continued: "We had chances to do more, but the way we defended the three goals wasn't good enough. This season compared to last we have conceded goals. It's something we have to change longer term.
"When you look back through the goals we have conceded today there are multiple errors in all three goals. I don't think Man United hurt us a great deal, but we conceded three goals. We looked good going forward, we did create chances but didn't get enough bodies in the key chances. We scored two goals and it should be enough to get something from the game.
"You feel momentum is with us and there is a much better feel with us in the second half. Then a second goal from a set-play. It is a combination of errors and we know we have to do better."
Newcastle have slipped to seventh in the Premier League table following their defeat at Man United, who remain eighth but now sit level on points with the Magpies heading into the final day. Chelsea, meanwhile, have climbed up to sixth and sit three points clear of both teams.
When Howe's side make the trip to Brentford on Sunday, they must match or better the result of Man United at Brighton & Hove Albion to secure at least a Europa Conference League spot for next season.
Oliver Thomas
