Many Newcastle United fans were left asking why they weren’t awarded a penalty during the first half against Aston Villa – and why Douglas Luiz wasn’t sent off.
With the first half winding down and neither side able to break the deadlock, the hosts won a corner at St James’ Park as they were presented with an opportunity to take the lead at a crucial time.
Before the corner could be taken though, Luiz clashed with Jamaal Lascelles in the penalty area, with referee Chris Kavanagh bringing a halt to play as VAR checked for a potential red card.
After a lengthy delay, and despite the Brazilian seemingly moved his head in the direction of the Magpies defender, Luiz was just shown a yellow card for his troubles.
A few Newcastle players questioned Chris Kavanagh on the outcome of the check, and they weren’t the only ones seemingly left confused by the decision.
A lot of the Toon Army were left bemused as to why the former Manchester City midfielder didn’t receive a heftier punishment, and given the location, why their side weren’t presented with an opportunity from the spot.
During half-time, the official reason given for Luiz being shown a yellow card rather than a red was that, rather than head-butting his opponent, which would come under dangerous or violent conduct, the midfielder had instead shown an “aggressive attitude”.
As for the shouts for a penalty, as the corner had not yet been taken, the ball was not in play, and therefore the referee nor the VAR could give a spot-kick.
In the end, the resultant corner came to nothing as the two sides remained in deadlock at the break, with the hosts looking to pick up the three points that would take them beyond the 40-point mark for the season.
