Alexander Isak rescued a crucial point for Newcastle in a 1-1 draw at Brighton to keep the Magpies’ Champions League hopes alive.
In a bizarre second half, Newcastle were awarded three penalties by on-field referee Craig Pawson – but only one, which was eventually scored by Isak, was taken.
The first two were correctly ruled out by VAR. The first was a foul from Tariq Lamptey on Anthony Gordon, which occurred outside the box. The second resulted in a booking for Joe Willock for simulation after Jan Paul van Hecke was initially penalised for a foul.
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Alexander Isak levelled the score from the penalty spot
But the third was a clear handball from Yasin Ayari from a Newcastle free kick, and was confirmed by VAR. Isak stepped up confidently to power home and secure what could be a vital draw.
It will have softened the blow slightly of yet another goal from former Magpie Yankuba Minteh against his former side.
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Newcastle thought they had a penalty as Anthony Gordon as fouled, only for VAR to over-rule the initial on-field decision
The 20-year-old – who Eddie Howe had been reluctant to sell in the summer – scored via a deflection off Dan Burn just before the half an hour to see Brighton ahead. He also scored against Newcastle in a 2-1 win for the Seagulls in the FA Cup in March.
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Joe Willock was booked for diving after VAR determined there was minimal contact in the foul that was originally given as a penalty
And Brighton could have landed a late blow on their opponents as an unmarked Diego Gomez headed wide from close range. Callum Wilson, too, drew a fine save from Bart Verbruggen in the final moments.
But Newcastle will ultimately be satisfied to come from behind for a draw at a ground they are yet to win at in the Premier League in a game where they were not at their best, especially in the final third.
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Yankuba Minteh put Brighton ahead in the first half
They have given themselves a three-point cushion in the top four, with fifth-place Chelsea facing Liverpool on Super Sunday, live on Sky Sports. Brighton – also in the hunt for European football next season – remain in 10th.