‘Can you answer the question?’: Alan Shearer GRILLS former referee Dermot Gallagher in angry TV exchange after Newcastle reversed a penalty as VAR ruled the ball hit Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior’s thigh before his hand
- The former Newcastle striker was furious when the penalty was reversed in the first half
- Alan Shearer berated Dermot Gallagher, as the former umpire tried to explain
- Arsenal responded from a rocky start to prevail and keep their title dream alive
Alan Shearer was furious with former referee Dermot Gallagher on Sunday after the VAR’s crucial intervention early in the game between Newcastle and Arsenal.
Referee Chris Kavanagh pointed to the spot seven minutes into the game after the ball appeared to hit Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior’s arm.
On closer inspection, however, the ball turned out to hit the Polish international’s thigh. Kavanagh was encouraged to go to the field monitor to reassess his decision and he decided to reverse his original decision.
Shearer, who was on pundit duty for Premier League Productions, couldn’t believe the decision and his obvious frustration showed clearly when he grilled Gallagher about the reversal of the original decision.
“Do you think of Dermot or do you know?” he asked Gallagher.
Newcastle appeared to have conceded a penalty early on before the decision was reversed
Referee Chris Kavanagh was instructed by the VAR to take another look at the field side of the incident
Alan Shearer was furious at the decision – anger he showed in abundance when speaking to Dermot Gallagher
“Well, I’m convinced it hit the top of his thigh,” the former referee replied clearly uneasily.
“Are you 100% sure he hit the top of his leg and it’s an absolute roar from the referee?” Shearer continued.
‘Can you answer the question? Are you absolutely 100% sure he hit his leg in the replays you watched?
“Since I can’t see it, you must have better eyesight than I do, and why is it necessary for seven repetitions if it is so certain?”
Shearer further expressed his thoughts on social media, tweeting, “The handball law is a complete mess.”
Ian Wright, who worked with Shearer and Gallagher, said nothing as the grilling took place, though he agreed at the end and appeared to side with the former referee.
The cancellation of the original penalty award seemingly changed the direction of play, with Arsenal awoken from an early match sleep almost immediately afterwards.
Martin Odegaard opened the score for the title-seeking visitors barely seven minutes later, while they missed a number of great opportunities in an exciting first half.
Arsenal’s win kept them in the hunt for the Premier League title
“The penalty decision is a big decision and probably upset us more than they did,” Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said afterwards.
“It was about keeping the ball better because Arsenal are a big transition threat. But we still have four games to go and our fate is in our own hands. We should focus on that.
“We’ve been doing so well all season. The players have been incredible for us. The consistency, mindset and attitude have been there. Now we have to go to another level and that will always be difficult. That is the challenge we face.
“If you look at the four games we have, we will need the crowd and stay united. Incredible support we’ve had all season. The sound was there today. We just had to score and that would have helped us get going.’