Referee Lee Mason axed from Premier League games after Newcastle VAR blunder
Lee Mason has been dropped from the Premier League matches this weekend after his VAR mistake at Newcastle.
The Magpies have lodged a complaint to the league and referees’ body – the PGMOL – saying that poor decisions against them this season are a ‘consistent theme'.
At St James’ Park on Saturday, Mason ruled that Joe Willock had fouled keeper Vicente Guiata in Newcastle’s game against Crystal Palace, in an incident that led to what should have been a goal for the home side. Despite the call, replays clearly showed Willock had been pushed into the goalkeeper by Tyrick Mitchell.
READ MORE: Ranking the 10 worst ever VAR calls in Premier League after West Ham and Newcastle farce
After the goalless draw, Newcastle co-owner Amanda Staveley bemoaned the decision, saying: “We should have won, I hated the VAR decision. That’s something we’re dealing with — it seems to be a consistent theme of the last few games.”
She added: “We are dealing with that, talking to officials and trying to get something that will work going forward.”
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The PGMOL Board has admitted that the goal should have stood after chiefs of the Premier League launched an emergency review.
Newcastle are demanding explanations from the Premier League and the PGMOL on how VAR calls can be improved.
Official Michael Salisbury overturned his initial decision to permit the goal after being advised by Mason to consult the pitchside monitor.
The game finished 0-0 and Toon boss Eddie Howe later spoke of his disbelief that it ended a point apiece as was Newcastle’s dominance.
Howe said: "It was an incredible game. Two teams going at it trying to deliver. Barring a slow start – or maybe a 15-20 minute period in the middle of the first-half – the lads gave me everything. How we have not scored, I'll let you look back and decide."
"I disagree with the decision. "I thought it should be a goal. I thought Joe was pushed. He is running in and is pushed into the keeper. I am not sure what Joe is supposed to do there. For me it is a perfectly good goal."
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