Alan Shearer has offered an explanation to Jeff Stelling's criticism of Match of the Day after Newcastle's controversial second penalty against West Ham wasn't analysed during the show.
The Magpies produced an inspired comeback to beat West Ham 4-3 on Saturday, having found themselves 3-1 down with just 13 minutes of normal time remaining. Newcastle were given a lifeline when opposition midfielder Kalvin Phillips tripped Magpies forward Anthony Gordon inside the penalty area while attempting to clear the ball.
Referee Robert Jones initially allowed play to go on before VAR advised him to review his original decision on the pitch-side monitor. Jones then pointed to the spot, allowing Alexander Isak to reduce the deficit to one goal and spark a comeback which keeps Newcastle in with a chance of securing European football next season.
Substitute Harvey Barnes then scored twice in quick succession to turn the game on its head and send St James' Park into pandemonium. Fans were expecting a debate over Phillips' foul on Saturday's episode of Match of the Day as some felt that the West Ham loanee shouldn't have been penalised.
It never came, though, and bemused TV legend Stelling decided to post on social media platform X: "Interesting that MOTD decided the second Newcastle pen was not worth discussing despite it being probably the most controversial decision of the weekend. Not the fault BTW of Alex Scott just terrible production decision."
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Plenty of fans agreed, as his post garnered more than 6,000 likes within 24 hours of posting. On Sunday, Newcastle hero Shearer chimed in and attempted to explain why the producers didn't instruct presenter Scott and pundits Stephen Warnock and Martin Keown to have discussion about it.
"Morning Jeff," the former England striker began. "My guess is they didn't show it because it was a certain penalty and as you know time is limited on the show. Hope all well."
Your turn! Should Newcastle have been awarded a penalty? Let us know your verdict in the comments section.
A foul from Kalvin Phillips sparked Newcastle's comeback (Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)Shearer's claim that it was a "certain penalty" divided fans - and West Ham boss David Moyes definitely disagrees. "I think the second one, Gordon restricts Kalvin Phillips from kicking the ball," Moyes argued after the match. "I actually think it's the wrong decision."
TNT Sports pundit Owen Hargreaves was at St James' Park and sympathised with West Ham. "I felt so sorry for Kalvin Phillips," Hargreaves admitted. "I think Moyesy brought him on, get him some minutes up at 3-1, and then he's just unlucky, you know, I don't think he sees Gordon.
"It's almost identical to the first one, players just get caught, don't really see him. I think it's a penalty, I think it's easy for the referees to give it, it's just a little bit late."
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