Alan Shearer issues strong verdict on controversial VAR call which saved Newcastle's skin

Alan Shearer has spoken out on the VAR drama involving Newcastle on Sunday (Image: Getty / Sky Sports)

Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer believes that VAR made an 'awful decision' in denying Bournemouth a last-minute winner that would have downed the Magpies on Sunday afternoon.

Dango Ouattara looked to have headed the Cherries into a 2-1 lead deep into second-half stoppage time, only for VAR to rule it a handball. Closer inspection showed that the ball came off Ouattara's shoulder area, with many deeming it a harsh decision.

Handball rules stipulate that a goal should be ruled out if it results from the ball making contact with anywhere underneath the sleeve line, which did not appear to be the case at the Vitality Stadium.

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The Premier League Match Centre, which has been introduced this season to explain VAR decisions on social media, wrote: "Ouattara’s goal is awarded on-field. The VAR overturned the decision as they deemed it to be a factual handball by Ouattara, therefore an on-field review was not required and the goal was disallowed."

Shearer, despite his rich history in a Newcastle shirt, did not agree. "A lucky point as that's an awful decision re handball," he posted on X. "Never handball for me."

Eddie Howe admits he initially saw nothing wrong with Dango Ouattara's disallowed goal (Image: Getty)

The contest ultimately finished 1-1 as Marcus Tavernier's first-half goal for Bournemouth was cancelled out by Anthony Gordon in the 76th minute. After the final whistle, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe conceded that the VAR's decision was controversial.

"I thought the game was lost because I initially hadn't seen anything wrong with the goal," he told the BBC. "We have had it both ways. We have had it for us and against us and we are very grateful for that moment because we have battled hard. What we had at that stage of the game was a valuable point. But I understand that it is a contentious decision."

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There was also controversy around Newcastle midfielder Joelinton avoiding a red card after recklessly taking down Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto. Howe once again suggested that his team benefitted from a slice good fortune, and revealed that he plans to hold talks with the Brazilian before his next game.

"It was probably as bit reckless from Joelinton," he told Sky Sports. "You could see what he is trying to do - he's trying to stop the keeper - but you can't go near the head area. That's something we will talk to him about."

Alan Shearer issues strong verdict on controversial VAR call which saved Newcastle's skin

Alan Shearer issues strong verdict on controversial VAR call which saved Newcastle's skin

Alan Shearer issues strong verdict on controversial VAR call which saved Newcastle's skin

Alan Shearer issues strong verdict on controversial VAR call which saved Newcastle's skin

Alan Shearer issues strong verdict on controversial VAR call which saved Newcastle's skin