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Man Utd news: Craig Pawson got key decision WRONG vs Newcastle - ex-Premier League referee
MANCHESTER UNITED should have conceded a penalty during yesterday’s showdown with Newcastle.
Man Utd fans mock Chris Smalling after training gaffe
At least that’s the verdict of former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher, who says the position of Craig Smalling’s foul on Dwight Gayle may have confused match official Craig Pawson.
United endured a miserable day at St. James’ Park with a number of opportunities missed and Matt Ritchie making them pay at the opposite end.
They could have been made to suffer even earlier though had Pawson given a penalty when Gayle went down under a challenge from Smalling in the first-half.
Pawson waved Newcastle’s claims away but Gallagher says he was wrong to do so.
"The simple answer is yes [it was a foul]," he told Sky Sports.
"He didn't play the ball, and as I've said many times, it's all about the ball.
"I actually think that because where Craig is, I believe he may be assessing whether it happened inside the area or not, and because of that he loses sight of whether it is actually a foul.
"He completely forgets, I think."
Dermot Gallagher says Newcastle should have been awarded a penalty against Manchester United
Smalling takes a tumble whilst defending against Manchester City
Chris Smalling fouled Dwight Gayle in the box before being booked for diving later on
However, Gallagher said Pawson was right to book Smalling for diving after the break.
"I think it's an excellent spot, they're not easy to give," he added.
"Sometimes when a player goes through the air like a torpedo it's easy to give, but this wasn't.
"It's definitely not a foul, definitely simulation, and it's a very, very important decision to make too, because Newcastle scored from the free-kick."
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