Newcastle get immediate verdict on disallowed goal after Sunderland secure famous double

Newcastle United were left frustrated in the Tyne-Wear derby after a controversial decision saw Malick Thiaw denied what could have been a crucial goal against Sunderland. However, a former Premier League official has since backed the call, insisting the on-field decision was correct under the laws of the game.

The incident occurred during the second half when the defender appeared to have given Newcastle United the lead with a well-taken finish. Celebrations were quickly cut short, though, as referee Anthony Taylor disallowed the goal almost immediately. The ruling puzzled many inside the stadium, but it was later clarified that Jacob Murphy had been in an offside position and was deemed to be interfering with play.

Former assistant referee Darren Cann explained that Murphy’s positioning played a decisive role in the call. According to Cann, the Newcastle winger was standing directly in front of Sunderland goalkeeper Melker Ellborg and was in physical contact with him at the moment the shot was taken. That, by law, constitutes interference, leaving officials with no choice but to rule the goal out.

Cann praised both Taylor and his assistant Gary Beswick for making a difficult call in real time without needing VAR intervention, describing it as an excellent piece of officiating under pressure.

Despite that explanation, the decision remained a talking point. In the commentary box, former Arsenal striker Alan Smith admitted he initially struggled to understand what the referee had spotted in such a crowded penalty area. While he acknowledged Murphy may not have been blatantly obstructing the goalkeeper, he suggested there was at least some degree of interference, leaving room for debate over whether Sunderland had benefited from a marginal call.

The disallowed goal proved even more costly as the match reached its dramatic conclusion. After Anthony Gordon had given Newcastle the lead earlier in the game, Sunderland responded through Chemsdine Talbi before sealing victory late on. In the dying moments, Brian Brobbey struck from close range to snatch all three points, leaving the home side stunned.

The defeat added to what has been a difficult period for Eddie Howe’s side, coming shortly after their heavy exit from the Champions League. Smith suggested that the physical and mental toll of that European disappointment may have played a part in the team’s performance, noting that Newcastle appeared fatigued and lacking their usual intensity.

That view was echoed by Jamie Carragher, who felt Sunderland’s energy and physicality ultimately made the difference. He pointed out that Newcastle struggled to cope in the second half, looking drained as their rivals grew stronger and more confident.

Carragher also highlighted the significance of the result for Sunderland, suggesting it would live long in the memory of their supporters. Completing a league double over their fiercest rivals is a rare achievement, particularly given the balance of power over the past decade, and it underlined just how far the club has come.

For Newcastle, meanwhile, the result deepens concerns about their current form and resilience. With fatigue, confidence, and consistency all being questioned, Howe faces a crucial task in lifting his squad and ensuring their season does not unravel further after another painful setback.