The Premier League has explained why Harvey Barnes was allowed in the stands to score his second goal in Newcastle’s match against Manchester City. Barnes smashed the ball into the roof of the net during the second half, giving Newcastle a 2-1 advantage before an extended VAR review.
After a scoreless start at St James’ Park, the game was fast-paced on both sides, with Barnes taking the lead in the 63rd minute, before Ruben Dias leveled the score five minutes later. Barnes then scored his second goal in the 70th minute to restore the Magpies’ lead, but his shot required a lengthy suspension while VAR officials examined two factors.
The goal was completed when Nick Waltemade teed up Bruno Guimarães at the far post and the Brazilian’s shot hit the crossbar.
The ball fell into the hands of Barnes, who expertly controlled it and fired a shot from close range into the roof of the net. As he celebrated, City’s players protested to the referee, believing that Guimarães’ goal should have been disallowed because Waltemade’s header was offside.
Former Newcastle defender Jonathan Woodgate agrees. He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “I think Guimarães’ Waltemaid header was offside.”
However, the referee finally signaled to the center circle and there was a roar of joy at St James’ Park.
Premier League Match Center said: “The referee’s call for a goal was checked and confirmed by VAR. Both Guimarães and Barnes were in onside positions in the build-up. VAR also checked and confirmed the referee’s call for no foul on (Gianluigi) Donnarumma in front of goal.”
The statement included an image showing Diaz was actually holding Guimarães down by his shoulder. This proved to be an important decision as Newcastle were able to overcome late pressure to secure a 2-1 victory over City.
The result leaves City third in the Premier League, four points behind leaders Arsenal, with the Gunners set to face Tottenham in Sunday’s north London derby.
It was Eddie Howe’s first Premier League win against City, and an important result after the international break eased the pressure.
Newcastle had endured a difficult season under Howe, having won just three Premier League games before the City visit. However, the Northeast Giants showed they can compete with the best teams when they emerged victorious and finished the day in 14th place in the standings.
The Magpies travel to France on Tuesday night to take on Marseille in the Champions League before returning to Premier League action at Everton on Saturday.
