Exclusive: Anthony Taylor slammed by PGMOL expert after Newcastle late goal controversy

Anthony Taylor’s decision to publicly announce the disallowed goal for Fabian Schär during Newcastle’s FA Cup clash against Brighton has been criticized as unnecessary by former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett.

He believes referees should not have to verbalize their decisions when on-screen explanations are already available. This follows an incident where Taylor, after disallowing Schär’s late goal due to an automated offside call, communicated the decision to the crowd at St. James’ Park before motioning that the goal had been ruled out.

It was a high-intensity match for Taylor, who made several crucial calls, including sending off both Anthony Gordon and Tariq Lamptey before full time.

One particularly contentious moment came when he opted not to dismiss Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, despite many believing his foul on Tino Livramento warranted a second yellow card. Frustration only deepened after Newcastle fell 2-1 in extra time, exiting the FA Cup in a crushing defeat.

Schar’s disallowed goal had initially sparked celebrations among Newcastle fans, who believed they had snatched a dramatic victory.

However, the semi-automated offside system ruled it out, leading Taylor to formally announce the decision to the stadium. The practice of referees making VAR announcements began during the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and discussions are underway to introduce it into the Premier League before the season ends.

Despite this initiative, critics argue that when VAR decisions are already displayed on stadium screens, additional verbal announcements serve little purpose, particularly in straightforward offside rulings where the outcome is clear without explanation.

Hackett remains unconvinced that this change enhances the game-day experience. He insists that the PGMOL’s efforts to improve transparency for fans should not involve unnecessary referee announcements.

The introduction of VAR itself was meant to reduce confusion, yet ongoing debates over its application persist. Hackett argues that fans already receive all the information they need via the stadium screens and that making referees reiterate what is already displayed is redundant.

He sees no value in an official confirming an offside decision that has already been visually presented to the crowd.

His criticism reflects a broader frustration with how VAR has been integrated into English football. While its implementation aims to improve officiating accuracy, it continues to draw scrutiny over its execution and communication.

Many supporters believe the technology disrupts the natural flow of matches, while others argue it still lacks consistency in key decisions. The debate over referee announcements adds another layer to the ongoing discourse about VAR’s role in modern football.

Newcastle’s elimination from the FA Cup means their next match is not until March 10, giving the squad additional recovery time after the grueling 120-minute battle against Brighton.

However, they face a significant setback, with Gordon ruled out due to suspension. His absence extends to the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool, dealing a major blow to Eddie Howe’s side.

Losing one of their most influential attacking players at such a crucial stage intensifies the challenge of overcoming Jürgen Klopp’s high-flying team.

The decision not to send off Baleba remains a talking point among fans and pundits alike. Many felt Taylor failed to maintain consistency in his officiating, particularly after showing a red card to Gordon for a shove off the ball.

The discrepancy in decision-making only fueled Newcastle’s frustrations as they sought a fair contest in a critical cup tie. With emotions running high, the fallout from this match continues to generate debate over refereeing standards and the role of VAR in high-stakes games.

As Newcastle regroups ahead of their next fixture, attention turns to how Howe will adjust his tactics without Gordon. His pace, creativity, and attacking presence have been vital for the Magpies this season, making his absence particularly concerning against a Liverpool side renowned for their relentless pressing and attacking prowess.

The break before their next match provides an opportunity for Howe to reorganize his squad and explore potential solutions, but the challenge remains daunting.

The controversy surrounding Taylor’s announcement of the disallowed goal adds another layer to the ongoing discussions about how football officiating should evolve.

While some argue that increased transparency benefits the game, others believe unnecessary interventions disrupt its flow. As the Premier League considers adopting this practice permanently, opinions remain divided on whether it genuinely improves the match experience for players and fans alike.