Breaking News: Alan Shearer loses it over the controversial refereeing decision that saved United
The mood was anything but festive in the Sky Sports studio as Manchester United’s narrow 1–0 Boxing Day win over Newcastle United ignited a furious reaction, led by club legend Alan Shearer. What should have been a routine post-match discussion quickly turned into a scathing attack on the standard of officiating, with VAR once again taking centre stage for all the wrong reasons.
United’s victory at Old Trafford, which lifted Ruben Amorim’s side up to fifth in the Premier League standings, was ultimately settled by a moment of quality rather than control. Patrick Dorgu, handed his first start under Amorim, produced a stunning left-footed volley midway through the first half after meeting a loose headed clearance. It was a rare flash of attacking sharpness from a United team that spent long spells absorbing pressure as Newcastle pushed forward with intent.
That goal, however, became secondary after a hugely controversial second-half incident that left the visitors incensed. With Newcastle dominating possession and piling pressure on the home side, Fabian Schär fired a powerful effort towards goal from a corner, only for the ball to strike the raised arm of Lisandro Martínez inside the box. Newcastle’s players instantly demanded a penalty, and replays appeared to show Martínez’s arm extended well away from his body. Despite a VAR check, referee Anthony Taylor waved play on, with officials judging that Martínez’s arm position was natural due to contact with an opponent.
The decision sparked outrage, particularly from Shearer, who did not hide his anger after the final whistle. The former striker branded the call embarrassing, insisting that Newcastle had been denied a clear penalty and effectively robbed of a deserved equaliser. He argued that stopping a goalbound effort with an arm raised that high should never be excused, accusing VAR of once again failing to apply common sense. His frustration was heightened by what he described as a growing list of questionable decisions that have gone against Newcastle in recent matches.
Statistically, Newcastle had more than enough to take something from the game. They controlled possession, created the better chances, struck the woodwork through Lewis Hall and forced an outstanding save from Senne Lammens, yet still walked away empty-handed. United, meanwhile, clung on, showing resilience rather than fluency, and celebrated a result that keeps momentum building under Amorim even without captain Bruno Fernandes.
For Newcastle, the defeat leaves a bitter taste and a lingering sense of injustice as they remain stuck in mid-table, wondering when decisions will finally fall their way. For Manchester United, controversy aside, it is another valuable three points that strengthens their push towards the top end of the table, even if the debate over VAR is far from settled.
