Jeff Stelling was shocked to learn that one of the most controversial choices he had made all weekend had hardly received a mention on Match of the Day.
Jeff Stelling had some strong views about the recent Match of the Day episode (Image: talkSPORT/Twitter)
Jeff Stelling had some strong views about the recent Match of the Day episode (Image: talkSPORT/Twitter)
The BBC Match of the Day pundits failed to analyze Newcastle United’s contentious second penalty against West Ham United, which infuriated Jeff Stelling.
The first game on the customary Premier League highlights show was the Magpies’ incredible 4-3 comeback victory over the Hammers. At St James’ Park, Eddie Howe’s team overcame a 3-1 deficit to defeat David Moyes’ shell-shocked men 4-3.
Alexander Isak scored two contentious penalties, the second of which gave Newcastle the opportunity to cut the lead held by the Europa Conference League winners. Nevertheless, the match was tainted by controversy. Stelling was shocked that the show’s producers had not instructed Alex Scott, Stephen Warnock, and Martin Keown to analyze the moment given the gravity of the choice.
Kalvin Phillips, the troubled midfielder for the Hammers, was once more made to look bad by the East Londoners. The England international was cleaned out by the former City star after the loanee from Manchester City swiped his leg to clear the ball away but failed to notice Anthony Gordon nip in front of him.
The penalty shot by Isak cut West Ham’s lead in half, 3-1 to 3-2. After that, Harvey Barnes scored an equalizer and finished off a spectacular comeback by bending the winning goal into the far corner.
The ruling divided Premier League supporters, with some feeling Phillips was unfairly treated and others thinking it was a clear-cut penalty. But to Stelling’s indignation, the pundits refrained from offering their opinions on the choice.
“Interesting that MOTD decided the second Newcastle pen was not worth discussing despite it being probably the most controversial decision of the weekend,” stated the former Sky Sports Soccer Saturday host. It’s not Alex Scott’s fault, by the way; it was a horrible production choice.
Newcastle’s hopes of earning European football for the second straight year were revitalized by the outcome. Howe’s team had a challenging season, going out of both the FA Cup and the League Cup and finishing last in a tough Champions League group.
Newcastle has suffered injury after injury since the beginning of the league season. During the match at home, Miguel Almiron, Tino Livramento, and Jamsal Lescelles all hobbled off with injuries.
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