Newcastle 2-1 Manchester City: Should Pep Guardiola’s side have been awarded a penalty?

The score was 0-0. In the 18th minute, Phil Foden found his way into the penalty area and shot a shot that went wide of the goal.

Newcastle defender Schar flew in and caught the City midfielder on his left ankle, leaving him writhing in pain.

However, referee Parrott only awarded a goal kick for the hosts, and VAR Craig Pawson approved the decision on the pitch.

According to the Premier League handbook, if “contact is unavoidable” between a defender and striker, play should usually be “allowed to continue”.

However, the law also states that when “the contact is either reckless (yellow card) or seriously fouled (red card), a penalty kick and appropriate penalty is the expected outcome.”

On this occasion, Parrott considered that Schar’s challenge was not reckless – but critics were divided over the decision.

“I think it’s a penalty,” former Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney told BBC Sport.

“The referee may have looked at the fact that he shot the ball before he touched it, but Schar’s intervention affected Foden’s preparation for the shot and then the contact happened. It’s a foul.”

Former Newcastle defender Jonathan Woodgate told BBC Radio 5 Live: “I don’t think Schar got the ball, but I don’t think it’s a penalty.

“I don’t think he’s doing enough.”

“There is a connection,” former Manchester City defender Micah Richards said on Sky Sports but what saved Schar was the fact that Foden had already kicked the ball.

He added: “I do not think this is enough for a coup.”