Newcastle United’s match against Brighton saw controversy surrounding Dutch midfielder Mats Wieffer, who was booked twice in the match but escaped a red card. Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher believes Wieffer was fortunate not to be sent off, particularly for a late tackle on Sandro Tonali.
Despite the potential red card incident, Newcastle were awarded three penalties, with one being taken and converted. The third penalty was awarded after Yasin Ayari clearly handled a Fabian Schar free-kick, with VAR confirming the decision.
Gallagher agreed with the penalty decision, stating that Ayari moved his hand towards the ball. Newcastle’s point sees them still in the running for Champions League qualification, with key matches against Chelsea and Arsenal upcoming.
Eddie Howe emphasized the importance of focusing on his team’s performance, rather than relying on results from other teams. He acknowledged that while it’s natural to consider their position, the priority is to win their own games and secure a strong finish.
