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“It’s a penalty because…”- Premier League issue explanation after VAR steps in to award penalty in Newcastle vs Ipswich
Premier League Explains VAR Decision After Newcastle Awarded Penalty vs Ipswich
Ipswich Town’s hopes of avoiding relegation took a major hit at St James’ Park after a controversial VAR decision led to Newcastle United being awarded a penalty.
The incident occurred just before half-time, when Julio Enciso pulled down Jacob Murphy inside the Ipswich box.
Initially, referee Michael Salisbury waved away the appeals despite protests from Newcastle players.
However, after VAR recommended a review, Salisbury checked the pitchside monitor and reversed his original call, pointing to the spot.
Alexander Isak confidently converted the penalty, giving Newcastle a 1-0 lead and further damaging Ipswich’s slim chances of Premier League survival.
The Premier League’s Match Centre later explained the decision: “VAR checked the referee’s call of no penalty to Newcastle United for a challenge by Enciso on Murphy – and deemed Enciso committed a pulling offence and recommended an on-field review.
The referee overturned the original decision and awarded a penalty to Newcastle.”
Pundits watching the match largely agreed with the final decision. Former Swansea defender Ashley Williams said: “It’s a penalty for me.
Murphy gets goalside, and Enciso pulls him back.” Paul Robinson, ex-goalkeeper for Blackburn and Tottenham, added: “This is ridiculous. Every Newcastle player surrounded the referee. Enciso gets the wrong side of Murphy.”
The penalty came shortly after Ipswich had already been reduced to 10 men. Defender Ben Johnson was sent off in the 37th minute after receiving two yellow cards—first for simulation and then for holding back Isak.
Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna was visibly furious, gesturing toward the fourth official as Johnson left the pitch.
