Premier League issue explanation after VAR steps in to award penalty in Newcastle vs Ipswich
Ipswich Town are set to be relegated from the Premier League after VAR's intervention saw them go a goal behind against Newcastle United as Alexander Isak scored a penalty
by Scott Trotter · The MirrorIpswich Town suffered a devastating blow in their quest for Premier League survival against Newcastle United as video assistant referee intervened to see the Magpies awarded a penalty at St James' Park. Julio Enciso had initially escaped punishment after pulling down Jacob Murphy inside of his own area.
Alexander Isak made no mistake from 12 yards out to hand the home side the lead after referee Michael Salisbury had consulted with replays on the sideline, following advice from VAR. It saw Ipswich's hopes of avoiding relegation take a hit in first-half stoppage time as they went one goal behind.
The official had initially waved away appeals as he was surrounded by Newcastle players in the aftermath of the challenge. But a look at the pitchside screen soon seen him pointing towards the spot as Ipswich shot themselves in the foot.
Premier League Match Centre offered a reason for the decision being reversed. "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," they said.
"The referee overturned the original decision and awarded a penalty to Newcastle."
There was little argument that Enciso had committed a foul from those watching on. Former Swansea defender Asley Williams saw no reason to disagree with the initial decision being overturned.
"It's a penalty for me," he said. "Jacob Murphy gets the wrong side of the defender and he gets pulled down."
Ex-Blackburn and Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson took some issue with Newcastle's initial reaction but agreed Enciso was in trouble. "This is ridiculous," he commented.
"Every single Newcastle player is surrounding the referee. Julio Enciso gets the wrong side of Jacob Murphy."
The penalty came after Ipswich defender Ben Johnson had already been shown a red card after receiving two yellows. The first saw Johnson punished for a dive before he was then punisheed for holding onto Isak for too long.
Kieran McKenna was left furious and wagged his finger at the fourth official as Johnson head down the tunnel after 37 minutes.
"A massive task for Ipswich Town," Robinson added. "Newcastle got into the game and they got a foothold. They have dominated possession and it was only a matter of time when Newcastle would score."
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky Sports deal
Sky Sports launches discounted Premier League package
£35 (was £43)
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £192 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.