HOWE IS RAGING AT VAR

EDDIE Howe has blasted Andy Madley, his team of officials and VAR for failing to give a penalty in Newcastle's 2-2 draw with Chelsea at St James' Park.

- Lee Ryder

Trevoh Chalobah's 54th minute challenge on Anthony Gordon saw the winger clatter into the hoardings at the Gallowgate End.

But Madley opted out of making an on-field penalty award before VAR also deemed the tackle suitable.

Howe, usually mild-mannered and cautious in his press conferences, 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.

"The defender only focuses on Anthony. They said it was 'shielding. I don't agree with that." When asked about the lack of consistency from VAR, Howe said: "I think the player has gone into Anthony aggressively, too aggressively, so I think it is a stonewall.