Les Ferdinand and Jermaine Jenas described Jonjo Shelvey’s controversial goal during Newcastle United's 2-0 win over Sheffield United as a “harsh lesson” for the Blades.
With the Magpies 1-0 up at Bramall Lane, Shelvey ran onto a header from Andy Carroll and, despite the offside flag being raised, went on to put the ball in the back of the net.
After a VAR review, the goal was awarded despite Sheffield United’s players having been stopped in their tracks by the assistant referee.
Former Newcastle players Jenas and Ferdinand, though, believe the right decision was made in awarding the goal, which helped the Magpies move up to 11th in the Premier League table.
And, speaking as part of Amazon Prime’s midweek coverage, the pair feel the blame has to rest partly on the shoulders of the Blades’ players.
“You’re looking for the referee, does he blow his whistle?” Jenas said
“He says no, play on, so essentially the referee, the linesman and Jonjo Shelvey have all done the right thing in playing on.
“It was the Sheffield United defence and goalkeeper that looked at the situation and said ‘it’s offside’ and switched off. From their point of view, I’m sure they’ll never make that mistake again.
“Every time a flag goes up, naturally when we were playing, you stop. We’re in an era now where they’re finding it difficult to adjust, but moments like that will make you wake up.”
Ferdinand added: “They always say play to the whistle. If you see someone going on, you chase it.
“No-one’s heard the whistle, so you’ve got to keep playing. It’s a harsh lesson.”
