Alan Shearer slams VAR as Premier League explain controversial Newcastle decision

Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has slammed VAR after they ruled out AFC Bournemouth's late winner against the Magpies.

Marcus Tavernier had given the Cherries the lead heading into the half-time break. However, Eddie Howe's team managed to rally after the interval and pegged the hosts back through Anthony Gordon's strike at the back post.

With the contest evenly matched, it appeared that Bournemouth had won it when Dango Ouattara climbed highest to head home the winner in stoppage time. However, after a VAR intervention, the goal was ruled out, leading to a frantic end to the game.

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Upon the full-time whistle, boos rang out at Dean Court, and Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola was visibly unimpressed with the officials. Even Shearer thought his team had gotten away with one at the end as he shared his thoughts on X.

He wrote: "A lucky point as that’s an awful decision RE handball. Never handball for me."

Explaining their decision on social media, the Premier League Match Centre wrote: "Ouattara’s goal is awarded on-field. The VAR overturned the decision as they deemed it to be a factual handball by Ouattara, therefore an on-field review was not required and the goal was disallowed."

Adding to Bournemouth's frustrations was the decision to award just a yellow card to Joelinton when he caught Neto to prevent a breakaway. As of yet, the Premier League has not explained that call.

The bottom line though is that Newcastle picked up a point on the South Coast. Now the focus turns to the first cup competition of the season as the Magpies travel to Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup this Wednesday.