Newcastle Have Contacted Referee Howard Webb Over Refusal to Give Penalty Against Chelsea

JAKARTA - Newcastle United has contacted the Chairman of the Professional Game Match Official Limited (English Professional League Refereeing Body), Howard Webb, regarding the controversial decision of the referee who refused to give a potentially crucial penalty against Chelsea.

The Magpies were furious not to be awarded a penalty by Andy Madley for Trevoh Chalobah's foul on Anthony Gordon during the 2-2 draw in the Premier League on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at St James' Park.

Most television analysis since then has suggested they had a basis for getting a penalty.

No wonder, Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe said that his club had contacted the PGMOL Chairman regarding the incident.

"Yes, we will ask for clarification. The decision has been delivered, not from me personally, but from the club. We just want to know the thinking behind the decision," said Howe.

Howe insisted after the game that Chalobah's tackle, in which he appeared to place his right foot on Gordon and then push him to the ground, should have resulted in a penalty.

However, the Premier League Match Centre revealed that VAR official Peter Bankes had deemed Chalobah to be in an offside position in the act of shielding and the ball was in play. Howe, however, remained convinced that the decision was wrong.

"It's a dangerous thing. I don't want to train my players to do that kind of tackle inside the penalty area. It will give the referee a choice to make a decision."

"One of the arts of defending is not to put yourself in that position. I still believe it was a clear penalty after watching it."

"However, it was not given. My time is best spent looking forward and not backwards," Howe said again.