Newcastle United handed fresh Joe Willock goal verdict after FA Cup controversy

Newcastle United’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Birmingham City in the FA Cup has sparked controversy, with Joe Willock’s equalizer coming under scrutiny.

The 25-year-old midfielder played a crucial role in ensuring Eddie Howe’s side advanced to the fifth round, but questions remain over whether his goal should have been allowed.

Birmingham took an early lead through Ethan Laird, setting the stage for a dramatic contest at St. Andrew’s. Willock’s moment came when Bailey Peacock-Farrell rushed to his near post to close down William Osula. Instead of taking the shot himself, Osula squared the ball to Willock, who found himself unmarked just yards from goal.

As Willock prepared to fire, Peacock-Farrell attempted to reposition himself, having been caught behind his goal line. The goalkeeper desperately scrambled to keep the ball out, but the linesman ruled that it had crossed the line, awarding Newcastle the equalizer.

However, replays of the incident raised doubts over whether the entire ball had gone in, leading to confusion and frustration. The FA later confirmed that goal-line technology had not been in use for the match, adhering to competition rules that limit the technology’s availability to Premier League and Championship stadiums.

The controversial decision became a major talking point, with analysts dissecting the incident. Karen Carney and Robbie Fowler discussed the moment on ITV during coverage of Liverpool’s match against Plymouth Argyle.

Carney expressed skepticism, stating that without conclusive evidence, she did not believe the ball had fully crossed the line. Fowler, however, took a more pragmatic approach, pointing out the inconsistency of VAR usage in the FA Cup. He acknowledged that while mistakes happen, they are part of the game and should be accepted as human error.

Despite the debate surrounding his goal, Willock remained focused on his performance and his team’s progress. Speaking to BBC Sport after the match, he reflected on his determination to make an impact following a challenging season.

Having struggled for regular playing time, he viewed his contribution against Birmingham as a potential turning point, expressing hope that it marked the beginning of a stronger second half to his campaign.

Willock also recognized the significance of advancing in the FA Cup, emphasizing the team’s ambition to build on their success and push for silverware.

Newcastle’s journey in domestic cup competitions continues to capture the attention of fans, with the club also preparing for another Wembley showdown in the Carabao Cup final.

Excitement is building as supporters eagerly anticipate the opportunity to see their team compete for a trophy, fueling optimism for what could be a memorable season. The upcoming final presents Newcastle with a chance to go one step further than last year, and the Magpies will be determined to seize the moment when they step onto the grand stage at Wembley.

For fans eager to relive the team’s journey, a special edition Carabao Cup Final 2025 guide is now available for pre-order. This ultimate companion offers exclusive interviews, in-depth features, a detailed path to the final, and expert analysis of the showdown at Wembley.

Whether purchased online or through major retailers in the North East, the guide serves as a must-have keepsake for supporters following Newcastle’s pursuit of silverware.

As the club continues its quest for success, attention now turns to the next round of the FA Cup and the challenges that lie ahead. Newcastle’s victory over Birmingham showcased their resilience, but it also underscored the unpredictability of knockout football.

With key players stepping up at crucial moments, the Magpies remain in contention on multiple fronts, fueling hopes of a season that could deliver long-awaited glory.