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Ciaran Kelly

Norwich rage at 'pathetic' Newcastle decision after what players were warned at half-time

Dean Smith has blasted the 'pathetic' decision to award Newcastle United a penalty kick against his Norwich City side following a lengthy VAR review on Tuesday night.

Smith actually told his players to 'keep their heads' at half-time because he felt that Newcastle would play for set-pieces after Ciaran Clark was sent off after just nine minutes.

Newcastle only had two corner kicks on the night but substitute Federico Fernandez ended up winning a penalty for his side before the hour mark after the Argentine got his head on the end of Jonjo Shelvey's teasing delivery.

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Fernandez's header struck the arm of Billy Gilmour and Newcastle players rushed to referee Andy Madley to appeal for a penalty.

Madley did not immediately point to the spot but, after consulting his pitchside monitor, the official awarded a penalty.

Callum Wilson dispatched the spot-kick to put Newcastle 1-0 in front and although Teemu Puuki later equalised for Norwich, Smith was far from happy after the game.

"We've taken all responsibility away from the on-pitch official," the Norwich boss told Match of the Day. "He's obviously seen that he's touched his arm. He's seen how close proximity he was in.

"He didn't feel it was unnatural and then if it takes 90 seconds to make a clear and obvious error then let's leave the responsibility to the on-field referee if it's taken that long to see whether it's close enough or it's unnatural.

"Pathetic, for me. We need more responsibilities for the on-field referees."

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