Don’t blame technology, blame those working at Stockley Park
NEWCASTLE 0 CRYSTAL PALACE 0
THE look on the face of Tyrick Mitchell — a ‘guilty’ GIF waiting to be cut — should have been the biggest clue for the not-so-super sleuths in Stockley Park as to what had just unfolded in the penalty area.
Not only had the Crystal Palace defender committed a foul worthy of a penalty, he had caused injury to a teammate and opponent. Oh, and he had also scored an own goal. Mitchell did not cry injustice. He had lost the run of Joe Willock entering the six-yard area, shoved the Newcastle midfielder — who collided with goalkeeper Vicente Guaita, leaving both in a dazed heap — and was then helpless as the dropping ball bounced into the net off his shoulder. The camera cut to Mitchell, an expression betraying his remorse. Goal. Referee Michael Salisbury certainly thought so. Except, 300 miles south, one fella in a darkened room thought he had seen the light — Willock had fouled Guaita. In fairness, given the pile of bodies, it was worth a second look.
Lee Mason, the VAR official, sent Salisbury to his monitor. There, he would have seen Mitchell’s push. Not only had Salisbury, a Premier League rookie, not made a ‘clear and obvious error’, he had not even made an error. So, what persuaded him to overturn his decision? Pressure from the more experienced Mason? An absence of angles? Or just plain incompetence on the part of all involved? Referees and officials have a difficult job. They should not be abused. Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe has set an example this week — seemingly wronged on two occasions — by giving a dignified and considered response to what he, and the majority of others, felt were officiating errors.
But this sort of mistake — coupled with the one in denying West Ham a goal at Chelsea — is what drags VAR back into the spotlight.
Match reports such as this should be about football, not a needless intervention that probably cost Newcastle a deserved three points. Before the volume grows for VAR to be scrapped, let us remember that the people behind it and not the technology were the guilty parties here. VAR usage has improved markedly and its presence as the metaphorical policeman on the bridge has aided the flow of a game, reduced dangerous challenges and interference from set-pieces.
None of that will be any consolation to Howe and his players, who should also look at themselves for failing to score from 23 shots.
Their best chance came the way of £60million home debutant Alexander Isak, who raced through on goal in the first half but chipped into Guaita. The striker’s look also told of great regret. But that was nothing compared to Mitchell an hour or so later.
NEWCASTLE UNITED (4-3-3): POPE 8; Trippier 7, Botman 7, Schar 6.5, Targett 7 (Burn 79min, 6); Willock 6.5, S Longstaff 7, Joelinton 7; Almiron 6.5 (Murphy 70, 6), Isak 5.5 (Wood 90), Fraser 5.5 (Anderson 70, 7).
Booked: Longstaff, Fraser.
Manager: Eddie Howe 7.
CRYSTAL PALACE (4-3-3): Guaita 7.5; Ward 7, Andersen 6, Guehi 7.5, Mitchell 6 (Clyne 63, 6); Schlupp 6.5, Doucoure 7, Eze 6 (Olise 62, 6); Zaha 5.5, Mateta 5.5 (Edouard 63, 5.5), Ayew 5.
Booked: Ward.
Manager: Patrick Vieira 6.
Referee: Michael Salisbury 5.
Attendance: 51,863