Shay Given understood Eddie Howe’s frustrations after Newcastle United’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea and accused Alejandro Garnacho of making a ‘nasty’ and ‘really dangerous’ challenge.
Howe highlighted a number of decisions he felt referee Andy Madley got wrong after Newcastle’s entertaining but ultimately frustrating stalemate at St James’ Park.
Nick Woltemade scored twice in the opening 20 minutes to put Newcastle in control but Chelsea mounted an impressive second-half comeback to earn a point.
Captain Reece James curled home a brilliant free-kick before Joao Pedro scored Chelsea’s equaliser just after the hour mark.
Howe criticised several refereeing decisions after the match, including a strong penalty appeal when Trevoh Chalobah appeared to barge over Anthony Gordon in the penalty area.
Newcastle also felt aggrieved that Garnacho went unpunished for a late and high tackle on Jacob Ramsey and Given believes VAR should have ‘intervened’ following the ‘nasty’ and ‘dangerous’ foul.
‘I understand Eddie Howe’s frustrations because some of the decisions I actually disagreed with myself,’ Given said on BBC’s Match of the Day.
‘There was a few decisions the referee had to make and they weren’t easy, don’t get my wrong.
‘The first one came in the first half and I thought it was a really nasty challenge from Alejandro Garnacho.
‘If you watch it slowly, he doesn’t make any attempt to play the ball, he goes over the top and clearly catches him really high up.
‘VAR didn’t intervene but I think that’s a really dangerous tackle from Garnacho and one he gets away with.’
On Newcastle’s penalty appeal, ex-Premier League goalkeeper Given added: ‘The one Eddie Howe was really angry about after the game was the penalty.
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‘Gordon has got ahead of Chalobah and the defender has made no attempt to play the ball. You could argue it’s shoulder-to-shoulder but he even comes across him with his leg.
‘I don’t think that’s a difficult decision; I think that’s a stonewall penalty. You can see and understand why Howe is angry with some of the decisions because these small instances make a big difference.’
The St James’ Park stalemate leaves Chelsea fourth in the Premier League, ten points behind leaders Arsenal, while Newcastle stay 11th.
Enzo Maresca’s side return to action against in-form Aston Villa on December 27, while Newcastle are involved in the Premier League’s only Boxing Day game, facing Manchester United at Old Trafford.
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