Premier League release new angle as fans fume over Newcastle vs Man City offside decision

Harvey Barnes put Newcastle 2-1 up against Manchester City in their clash at St James’ Park on Saturday evening, despite many fans believing there was an offside in the build-up

The Premier League has been forced to clarify why Harvey Barnes’ second goal for Newcastle against Manchester City was allowed to stand. Barnes fired into the roof of the net in the second half to put Newcastle 2-1 up before a lengthy VAR delay.

After a goalless first half at St James’ Park, the game saw quickfire goals at either end, with Barnes making it 1-0 in the 63rd minute before Ruben Dias’ deflected strike levelled things up for the away side five minutes later.

Barnes then got a second to put the Magpies in front again in the 70th minute, but his goal required a lengthy delay while the VAR official checked two things. The goal came when Nick Woltemade headed down to the back post for Bruno Guimaraes, who struck the crossbar with his attempt.

The ball dropped for Barnes, who controlled well before putting it into the roof of the net from close range. As he celebrated, City’s players complained to the referee, believing it should be chalked off because Guimaraes was offside from Woltemade’s header.

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That was the opinion of former Newcastle defender Jonathan Woodgate too. “I think Guimaraes is offside from the Woltemade header,” he said on BBC Radio 5 Live. One fan wrote on social media: “What happened to the lines? Bruno surely offside there!”

But the referee eventually pointed to the centre circle, sparking celebrations in St James’ Park – and an explanation from the Premier League Match Centre.

It read: “The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by VAR – with both Guimarães and Barnes in onside positions in the build-up. The VAR also checked and confirmed the referee’s call of no foul on Donnarumma prior to the goal.”

The post contained images showing that Dias had in fact played Guimaraes onside with his shoulder. It was a hugely important decision, as Newcastle withstood late pressure to beat City 2-1.

The result saw City stay third in the Premier League, four points adrift of leaders Arsenal, who face Tottenham in the north London derby on Sunday. It was also a first win over City for Eddie Howe, who eased pressure with a massive result after the international break.

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