Harvey Barnes led Newcastle to a 2-1 win against Manchester City at St James’s Park on Saturday night, despite many fans believing he had been offside in the build-up.
The Premier League is under pressure to find out why Harvey Barnes’ second goal in Newcastle’s match against Manchester City was allowed. Barnes fired a shot into the roof of the net in the second half to give Newcastle a 2-1 lead before a lengthy VAR delay.
After a scoreless first half at St James’ Park, the match saw quick-fire goals at both ends, with Burns making it 1-0 in the 63rd minute, before Ruben Dias’ deflected effort put the visitors level five minutes later.
Burns then scored his second goal in the 70th minute to put the Magpies ahead once again. However, his goal took a long delay while VAR officials checked two things. The goal was scored by Nick Waltemade, who replaced Bruno Guimarães with a header at the back post that hit the crossbar.
The ball fell to Barnes, who controlled it well and slotted home from close range. As he celebrated, City’s players protested to the referee, believing that Voltemade’s header was offside and Guimarães’ match should be called off for chalk.
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Former Newcastle defender Jonathan Woodgate agreed. He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “I think Guimarães’ Woltemade header was offside.” One fan posted on social media: “What happened to the line? Bruno is definitely offside there!”
But the referee eventually pointed to the center circle, sparking celebrations at St James’ Park and an explanation from the Premier League Match Center.
“The referee’s call for a goal was checked and confirmed by VAR. Both Guimarães and Barnes were in onside positions during the build-up. VAR also checked and confirmed the referee’s call for no foul on Donnarumma in front of goal.”
The post included an image showing that Diaz was actually playing Guimarães onside with his shoulder. This was a crucial decision as Newcastle withstood late pressure to beat City 2-1.
The result leaves City in third place in the Premier League, four points behind leaders Arsenal, who face Tottenham in the north London derby on Sunday. It was also Eddie Howe’s first win against City, a big result after the international break that eased the pressure.
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