Newcastle boss Eddie Howe was convinced his side would be handed a penalty in their 2-2 draw with Chelsea on Saturday. The Magpies looked to be on the way to a morale-boosting victory at St James Park following Nick Woltemade’s first-half brace.

But Chelsea rallied in the second-half as strikes from Reece James and Joao Pedro saw things finish level. But immediately after the England defender’s goal, Newcastle thought they should have been handed a penalty as Anthony Gordon was floored by Trevoh Chalobah in the area.

Neither referee Andrew Madley nor VAR officials at Stockley Park thought the challenge was deserving of a spot-kick, a decision that left Howe baffled. Speaking after Saturday’s draw, the Newcastle coach said: "I thought the Anthony Gordon one was the standout one. Anywhere else on the pitch, it's a blatant free-kick.

"A clear error and clear penalty. Anywhere else on the pitch that is a blatant free-kick. I thought it would be overturned. It’s a clear penalty and obvious error.

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"The defender only focuses on Anthony (Gordon). They said it was “shielding”. I don’t agree with that."

Asked if there was a lack of consistency from VAR, Howe added: "I think the player has gone into Anthony aggressively, too aggressively, so I think it is a stonewall. The defender's only look is Anthony, not the ball, and I think it's too aggressive."

And while Howe bemoaned the failure of the refereeing team to give the decision, he was also concerned with his side’s ability to see what would have been a morale-boosting win over the line.

He added: “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.

Should Newcastle have been given a penalty vs Chelsea? Share your thoughts in the comments below

“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."

Newcastle sit 11th in the Premier League table following their draw with Chelsea. They are back in action on Boxing Day as they take on Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, Chelsea still sit in the Champions League places following their rousing comeback. They will take on Aston Villa next Saturday.

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