Newcastle United finally got back to winning ways on Saturday, seeing off Wolves 1-0 in an unspectacular yet solid display at St James’ Park.
Aside from the opening minute, where Nick Pope was called into action twice, we were rarely troubled and defended well to keep our third clean sheet in four games so far.
However, the scoreline and pattern of the match could’ve been even more comfortable had VAR not missed what should’ve been a clear and obvious red card for the visitors.
20 minutes in, Harvey Barnes latched onto Dan Burn’s ball in behind, got there first and was about to be through in a one-vs-one situation, only to be cleaned out by Wolves’ recovering defender Yerson Mosquera.
The on-field referee waved it away and VAR checked for a red card, citing the ‘denial of a goalscoring’ opportunity was being looked at. However, after a short check, it was waved away and the game restarted.
Watching it back (see below), it is a blatant foul from the centre-back and reckless piece of defending, as Mosquera only has eyes for Barnes and steps across his path with an arm to the face.
Former referee and PGMOL boss has taken to X in response to the mistake, claiming VAR have missed a ‘clear foul’ that fulfilled the ‘denial of a clear goalcoring opportunity’ rule, meaning it should have been a free kick and straight red card.
Clear foul and fulfilled DOGSO so red card https://t.co/OutVcMHubY
— KEITH HACKETT (@HACKETTREF) September 15, 2025
Fortunately, we went on to win the game with 11 vs 11, thanks to Woltemade’s debut goal and another clean sheet, but it’s yet another simple error from VAR.
Mosquera is nowhere near the ball and takes out Barnes with almost an elbow to the side of Barnes’ head, yet nothing was given. How these paid ‘experts’ missed that is beyond.
They need a total overhaul of the VAR system I can only assume that these clowns must be corrupt.
We need unbiased ex professional footballers doing this job.
Joseph(Quote)
VAR is useless, always has been useless and always will be useless. Why the clubs didn’t vote to sack it baffles me.
I’m not faulting the technology, I want the ref to be in charge: refs make mistakes/the game goes on. VAR makes mistakes/5 minutes lost, uselessly.
davewallace(Quote)
We will continue to get these **** decisions as long as refs are allowed to use it to dictate results
John Langston(Quote)
Thanks for reiterating, Olly – this has irked me all weekend.
Happens in the centre circle, and it’s 100% a foul and yellow card.
No mention on MOTD, either, strangely.
Outrageous. Non-decision.
VAR bottled it.
GreenBear(Quote)