Gary Neville has backed the officials’ decision to award Liverpool a late penalty during their dramatic 2-2 draw with Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Sunday, insisting that VAR made the correct call despite the frustration among the home supporters.
Newcastle appeared to be on course for a memorable victory after taking a 2-1 lead deep into the second half. Anthony Elanga opened the scoring for the Magpies before Cody Gakpo restored parity for Liverpool. Joe Willock then put Newcastle back in front, leaving the hosts within touching distance of securing all three points.
However, the drama was far from over.
With the fifth and final minute of stoppage time almost complete, Liverpool were handed a huge opportunity to rescue something from the contest. Victor Munoz went down inside the Newcastle penalty area following a challenge from Lewis Hall, prompting referee Stuart Attwell to point to the spot.
The decision immediately sparked debate inside the stadium, with Newcastle supporters convinced that their side had been harshly punished so late in the match. Liverpool, meanwhile, were presented with a golden opportunity to snatch a point from a game they looked destined to lose.
Much of the attention naturally turned towards Alexander Isak, who was making his first return to Tyneside since his controversial move from Newcastle to Liverpool 12 months earlier. Many expected the Swedish striker to take the responsibility from 12 yards, given the significance of the moment and his history with the Magpies.
Instead, Dominik Szoboszlai stepped up and produced a composed finish from the penalty spot to make it 2-2. The Hungarian midfielder kept his nerve under enormous pressure, ensuring Liverpool left St James’ Park with a point.
While Newcastle fans continued to question whether Hall’s challenge was sufficient to warrant a penalty, Sky Sports commentator Gary Neville was quick to explain why he believed the original decision was unlikely to be overturned by VAR.
Neville pointed out that Hall did not make contact with the ball before Munoz was brought down, which he felt was the key factor in determining whether the challenge constituted a foul.
“Hall has been incredible but that is not going to be overturned. One thing I recognised straightaway was there was no touch on the ball. It looked like a penalty right away,” Neville explained.
The former Manchester United defender also praised Hall for his overall performance during the contest, particularly the way the Newcastle defender dealt with Liverpool’s attacking threats throughout the match.
“Lewis Hall in all parts of this game, against Munoz and [Rio] Ngumoha, has moved his feet,” Neville added.
“He’s not taken the lazier option to stand there and just put his leg out. He’s got low, he’s been really sharp in his defending and in the final seconds…”
Neville’s assessment will provide little comfort to Newcastle supporters, who had watched their side put in an impressive display and were only seconds away from claiming a statement victory over Liverpool.
The Premier League’s Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) also confirmed that VAR had reviewed the incident and agreed with Attwell’s decision.
“The referee’s call of penalty for the challenge by Hall on Munoz was checked and confirmed by VAR,” the Premier League’s Pro Ref account explained on X.
The late penalty ultimately ensured the points were shared, with Newcastle left to reflect on what might have been after surrendering their lead in the dying moments.
For Liverpool, meanwhile, the result could prove valuable given the circumstances. They appeared to be heading towards defeat before Szoboszlai’s cool spot-kick rescued a draw.
The incident is likely to remain a talking point among Newcastle supporters, particularly because of the timing of the decision. Nevertheless, Neville and the Premier League’s refereeing authorities were united in their view that the penalty decision was correct and that there was insufficient reason for VAR to intervene.
Ultimately, Newcastle were denied a famous victory by the finest of margins, while Liverpool demonstrated their ability to keep fighting until the final whistle. The 2-2 draw delivered another reminder of the unpredictability and drama that can emerge when two Premier League heavyweights meet, especially when the decisive moment comes in the final seconds.
