Connect with us

sports

Newcastle United seek VAR clarity after disputed Chelsea penalty

Published

on

Newcastle United

Newcastle United VAR penalty controversy deepens after the club seeks clarification over a rejected spot-kick against Chelsea

Newcastle United have formally asked the Professional Game Match Officials Limited to clarify a disputed refereeing decision following a rejected penalty appeal in the Premier League draw with Chelsea at St James’ Park on Saturday.

Advertisement

Also read: Super Eagles Kick Off AFCON 2025 Against Tanzania

The request followed an incident involving Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah and Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon, which Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe described as a “stonewall” penalty.

Referee Andy Madley declined to award a spot-kick, and the video assistant referee upheld the on-field decision.

According to BBC Sport, the Premier League Match Centre later stated that Chalobah was judged to be side-to-side with Gordon in a shielding action, with the ball within playing distance.

Advertisement

Howe said Newcastle United had already contacted officials to understand the rationale behind the decision.

“A call has already gone in,” Howe said. “We just want to know the thought process behind the decision.”

At the time of the incident, Newcastle United were leading 2-1.

Advertisement

Chelsea later equalised through João Pedro after a costly slip, allowing the visitors to secure a 2-2 draw.

The result extended a worrying trend for Newcastle United, who have now dropped 13 points from winning positions, the highest total in the Premier League this season.

The club currently sits 11th in the league table and has recorded only one away win ahead of its Boxing Day trip to Manchester United.

Advertisement

Despite the frustration, Howe struck a resilient tone.

“My glass is very much half full,” Howe said. “We are moving in the right direction, but we have a lot of work to do.”

Also read: Super Eagles Face Tanzania in AFCON 2025 Group C Opener

He added that consistency and sustained winning runs remain the defining challenge for the side.

Advertisement

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

sports

Liverpool Releases Moving Biography Honouring Diogo Jota

Published

on

Liverpool Diogo Jota biography, Forever in Our Hearts, celebrates the late forward’s life, career and legacy, with profits funding grassroots football

Liverpool Football Club have released a new biography celebrating the life and legacy of former forward Diogo Jota, with all profits from the book set to support a grassroots football programme being established in his name through the LFC Foundation.

Also read: PRP Rejects Bauchi’s Proposed N298bn Loan

Titled ‘Forever in Our Hearts’, the biography was written by Portuguese author and former professional footballer José Delgado and published by Reach Sport. Liverpool announced the release on Thursday, October 22, 2026, through a post on the club’s official X account.

Advertisement

The book traces Jota’s journey from his early years in Portugal to his rise as one of his generation’s respected forwards and a much-loved member of the Liverpool football family.

Drawing on interviews with family members, friends, teammates and coaches, the biography offers a personal account of the footballer’s character, professional achievements and relationships beyond the pitch.

Contributors include Jota’s wife, Rute, his parents, Isabel and Joaquim, and former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, alongside more than 90 other people who knew him throughout his life and career.

Advertisement

Their recollections highlight Jota’s determination, humility and commitment to football, while exploring the personal qualities that earned him affection among teammates, supporters and colleagues.

The biography also celebrates the close bond between Jota and his brother, André Silva, reflecting on the impact both men had on those around them and the wider football community.

Jota enjoyed significant success during his career, winning the Premier League with Liverpool and the UEFA Nations League with Portugal.

Advertisement

His performances, work ethic and contribution to the teams he represented helped establish his reputation in European football.

However, ‘Forever in Our Hearts’ also confronts the tragedy of July 2025, when Jota and André died, leaving family members, friends, teammates and supporters mourning their loss.

Delgado said the project began as an effort to preserve Jota’s memory during a period of profound sadness, with a commitment to presenting an honest and respectful account of the lives of both brothers.

Advertisement

“My commitment throughout was to tell his story with care, honesty and respect for Diogo, André, and the family and friends who loved them,” Delgado said.

The author added that the willingness of those closest to the brothers to share their memories had helped capture their personalities and the depth of affection they inspired.

Reflecting on Jota’s relationship with Liverpool, Delgado said the accounts gathered during his research revealed qualities extending beyond his footballing ability, including humility, dedication and personal character.

Advertisement

He expressed hope that the biography would provide a lasting tribute while inspiring future generations of footballers.

The book is available through official Liverpool FC stores and online, with proceeds directed towards the grassroots football programme being developed in Jota’s name through the LFC Foundation.

The release forms part of Liverpool’s continuing efforts to honour the forward and his brother. Earlier in 2026, the club unveiled a permanent memorial outside Anfield, giving supporters a dedicated place to remember the brothers and reflect on their legacy.

Advertisement

Through the biography and the planned community football initiative, Liverpool is seeking to ensure that Jota’s influence endures beyond his playing career, helping create opportunities for young people to participate in the sport he loved.

Also read: PRP Rejects Bauchi’s Proposed N298bn Loan

The project combines remembrance with a practical commitment to grassroots development, offering a way for Jota’s passion for football to continue benefiting future generations.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending