After Jeff Stelling, the broadcasting legend, attacked Match of the Day for failing to address the contentious decision surrounding Newcastle‘s second penalty against West Ham, Alan Shearer retaliated. After Anthony Gordon was fouled by Kalvin Phillips, Eddie Howe’s team was given a spot kick, and they went on to win 4-3 in an incredible comeback.
Early in the second half, West Ham had taken a 3-1 lead and looked to be coasting to a significant Premier League away win. However, the game’s second penalty kick for Alexander Isak, controversially given following a VAR review, turned the tide in Newcastle’s favor.
Replace Harvey Barnes scored twice in the extra period. He first finished after breaking through on goal and then hammered home a magnificent effort from 25 yards out. However, the Hammers were incensed when a penalty call they believed to be lenient led to the comeback.
When Gordon dribbled past on-loan midfielder Phillips to clear the ball from the penalty area, Phillips struck through the heel of the winger. Many watched Match of the Day to see the commentators’ assessment because they thought the decision was unfair.
But Alex Scott, rather than Gary Lineker, as host of the BBC’s Premier League highlights show on Saturday night, barely mentioned the decision. Stelling, a former anchor for Sky Sports, called the production team’s choice “horrible.”
Stelling tweeted: “Despite being arguably the most contentious decision of the weekend, it’s interesting that MOTD judged the second Newcastle pen wasn’t worth debating. It’s not Alex Scott’s fault, by the way; it was a horrible production choice.”
Shearer, a legend of Newcastle, has now joked that there was a “definite penalty” and reminded Stelling that these kinds of shows have very severe scheduling constraints.
On Sunday, the former striker responded to Stelling with the words, “Morning Jeff.” I assume they chose not to air it because there was a specific punishment and, as you are aware, the show has a restricted amount of time! I hope everyone is doing well.
