Premier League issue statement after Newcastle are awarded penalty against Nottingham Forest

The Premier League have explained the reason why Newcastle were awarded a penalty against Nottingham Forest following a VAR review.

Forest took an early lead at St. James’ Park through Callum Hudson-Odoi before the Magpies hit back through Lewis Miley and Jacob Murphy.

The game was still only 30 minutes young when Lewis Hall put a cross into the Forest area from the left.

The ball was blocked by a jumping Ola Aina with the Newcastle players insisting it hit his arm.

Referee Jarred Gillett waved play on with the home side proceeded to let the ball run out of play.

Video assistant referee Peter Bankes then had time to review the incident, instructing Gillett to visit the monitor. 

He saw what most viewerswatching at home saw, the ball hitting the outstretched arm of Aina.

Referee Jarred Gillett was sent to the monitor and duly awarded a spot-kick to the hosts 

And the Premier League have issued a statement inform fans of the reasoning behind the decision.

The statement read: ‘VAR recommended an on-field review for a possible handball by Aina – with his arm deemed to be in an unnatural position. Upon review, the referee awarded a penalty to Newcastle United.’

Former Man City man Andy Hinchcliffe agreed, telling Sky Sports: ‘If you are facing the ball and it hits your left arm that is one thing but Ola Aina turning body like that and his arm extends, that will be a problem. 

‘Nuno Espirito Santo is not going to be happy but if you take that down the other end he would want a penalty for that situation.’

Scottish legend Pat Nevin was in agreement with Hinchcliffe, telling BBC Radio 5 Live: ‘As I suspected. That would be really hard for the referee to turn down. ‘It is a little distance away from Aina. 

‘There’s nothing he can do about it would have been hard not to give that. He has definitely handled it. I have seen them given.’