After a weekend of controversy and upsets, Jeff Stelling was surprised when one of the most contentious judgments was barely mentioned on Match of the Day.
Jeff Stelling was disappointed that the BBC Match of the Day analysts did not discuss Newcastle United’s contentious second penalty against West Ham United.
The Magpies’ amazing 4-3 comeback win over the Hammers was the opening match on the usual Premier League highlights package. Eddie Howe’s team overcame a 3-1 deficit to defeat David Moyes’ shell-shocked side 4-3 at St James’ Park.
However, the game was plagued by controversy, as Alexander Isak scored two questionable penalties, the second of which gave Newcastle the perfect platform to end the Europa Conference League winners’ lead. Given the gravity of the choice, Stelling couldn’t believe the show’s producers hadn’t told Alex Scott, Stephen Warnock, and Martin Keown to analyze the situation.
Kalvin Phillips, the struggling Hammers midfielder, was once again blamed for the East Londoners’ woes. The Manchester City loanee swiped his leg to clear the ball, but did not notice Anthony Gordon nipping in front of him, culminating in the ex-City player kicking the England international out.
When Isak converted the penalty, West Ham’s lead was reduced from 3-1 to 3-2. Harvey Barnes then scored an equalizer before bending an incredible winner into the far corner to cap off a spectacular turnaround.
The decision split Premier League supporters down the middle, with many believing it was a stone-wall penalty and others claiming Phillips was unfairly treated. However, to Stelling’s chagrin, the decision was not debated by the experts.
