Eddie Howe cut a frustrated figure after Newcastle United were denied what he believed to be a "clear" penalty in their 2-2 draw with Chelsea on Saturday.
The Magpies made an electric start at St James' Park, with Nick Woltemade putting them two goals up inside the opening 20 minutes.
But the Blues fought back in the second half, courtesy of a well-struck free-kick from Reece James, before Joao Pedro levelled the scores in the 66th minute.
One of the biggest talking points for Howe, though, was a challenge from Trevoh Chalobah on Anthony Gordon inside the box in the 53rd minute that went unpunished.
Referee Andy Madley waved away calls for a penalty on the field, with his decision upheld following a VAR review.
"Anywhere else on the pitch, that's a blatant free-kick," Howe said after the match.
"When it went to VAR, I thought, 'This is going to be overturned, it's a clear error.' It's as clear a penalty as I've seen.
"The defender only focuses on Ant. They said it's shielding, but I don't agree with that analysis. I'm really disappointed that wasn't given."
Saturday's contest proved to be a game of two halves. Newcastle dominated the first, registering seven shots (five on target) to Chelsea's four (none on target), creating six big chances to none and producing an expected goals (xG) total of 1.97 to 0.24.
After the break, though, Enzo Maresca's side led in shots with nine attempts (four on target) to Newcastle's four (none on target) with an xG of 1.02 to 0.29.
Newcastle initially showed no signs of rust from last Sunday’s narrow Tyne-Wear derby defeat, much to Howe's delight, though he admitted the end result left a bitter taste.
"It's tinged with huge disappointment for us. I'm really disappointed for the players. We deserved to win that game, in my opinion anyway," he continued.
"The only real disappointment in the first half – because I think it's the best we've played – is that we weren't further ahead.
"We had the chances and played with real energy, intensity and quality. It was great to see us creating the big moments in the penalty box.
"It's a huge disappointment we haven't won the game with the effort we've given."
Rmulbah1992
0
Go and call EFCC from Nigeria to investigate them🤣🤣🤣🤣
I think it is better to be as it is.
Geebabs
0
THE CORRUPTION IN THE REFEREES SYSTEM IN THE EPL NEED SERIOUS INVESTIGATIONS BY AN INDEPENDENT BODY.
Go and call EFCC from Nigeria to investigate them🤣🤣🤣🤣
Zisbcdnpry
0
,
kisiklnuz
0
Subjective call again hate that
Hello how are you doing hi how are you doing
Taobckmosz
0
Well well,who is not a die hard Chelsea supporter will never never be on our side the VAR will be in next year world cup with out it the amount of problem there will have on the pitch some of you brains will cant take it,so thank god for VAR system.
wehabdipst
1
😂😂😂😂
TheOddOne
0
Subjective call again hate that
Dubguy60
1
Football is a 90mins game, just because your team played well in the first half doesn't mean your team deserves to win, Newcastle was all over the place in the second half, so on the balance of play I think the draw is probably the best result for both side and it was a lovely game of football, please Eddie Howe don't spoil it with unnecessary complaints...
You’re absolutely right because you play well for 45 minutes, it doesn’t mean you’re supposed to win
Dubguy60
0
THE CORRUPTION IN THE REFEREES SYSTEM IN THE EPL NEED SERIOUS INVESTIGATIONS BY AN INDEPENDENT BODY.
This was a good call according to the rules book ( shoulder to shoulder)
Dubguy60
0
If Arsenal did that it’s an absolute penalty! EPL fraudulent referees can be really shameless
According to the rule it’s not a penalty because it’s shoulder to shoulder
vawopsty
1
If Arsenal did that it’s an absolute penalty! EPL fraudulent referees can be really shameless
Deonotu
0
clear pen
nincdklouz
1
this var is crazy
BlessingsCo-operator
1
Football is a 90mins game, just because your team played well in the first half doesn't mean your team deserves to win, Newcastle was all over the place in the second half, so on the balance of play I think the draw is probably the best result for both side and it was a lovely game of football, please Eddie Howe don't spoil it with unnecessary complaints...
you're right
cizaelprs
0
Shut up, you didn't win the game either
but we aren't complaining about anything,,are we?
Emmanuel4jesus12
0
Cry more
Shut up, you didn't win the game either
Emmanuel4jesus12
0
that's not a pen... football is a contact sport and Chalobah was just stronger simple
By tackling the opponents in the box without looking at the ball, football is not rugby
Maeabkmnuy
5
that's not a pen... football is a contact sport and Chalobah was just stronger simple
Rmulbah1992
5
THE CORRUPTION IN THE REFEREES SYSTEM IN THE EPL NEED SERIOUS INVESTIGATIONS BY AN INDEPENDENT BODY.
Yorokiri
4
Football is a 90mins game, just because your team played well in the first half doesn't mean your team deserves to win, Newcastle was all over the place in the second half, so on the balance of play I think the draw is probably the best result for both side and it was a lovely game of football, please Eddie Howe don't spoil it with unnecessary complaints...
yutacilrst
1
no penalty fooll
Muzelmnoy
2
what about offside of the second goal for new castle which var allowed?Mr Howe
Zutacdkmr
1
Cry more
lehaceiotz
1
every game is 90 min not 45 min..
Edooo87
3
Complaining don't stop
Lopbdimz
1
Wow