‘Nailed on’ – VAR’s stunning explanation for controversial Newcastle decision vs Brentford
Brentford were denied a penalty during the second-half against Newcastle United after Dango Ouattara and Dan Burn tangled
Stephen Killen Senior Football Writer
15:45, 09 Nov 2025
Dango Ouattara was booked for simulation after appealing for a penalty against Newcastle.
Richard Keys has slammed the decision that saw Brentford denied a penalty against Newcastle United. Midway through the second half, the Bees thought they had a spot-kick when Dango Ouattara went down under Dan Burn’s challenge.
However, Stuart Attwell booked the forward for simulation, despite protests from the hosts and a check from the Video Assistant Referee, no penalty was given. Ouattara faced up the England defender and looked to beat him running towards the byline, going down under a suspected challenge from the stopper but the match official wasn’t interested.
The on-field decision and subsequent review from Stockley Park ruled that it wasn’t a spot-kick but it was met with bemusement from former Sky Sports presenter, Keys.
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“Pen Brentford. Nailed on,” he tweeted.
“”Dan Burn knew it too. There was contact – so that’s a pen.”
The Premier League released the reasoning behind the decision not to award a penalty for the hosts and it was deemed that there was “minimal contact”.
In a tweet, they said: “The referee’s call of no penalty and yellow card to Ouattara for simulation was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the challenge from Burn on Ouattara deemed to be minimal contact.”
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It was a major flashpoint in an incident-packed second-half as Brentford were in the ascendancy after equalising through Kevin Schade, cancelling out Harvey Barnes’ opener.
But moments later, they did have a penalty with Burn and Ouattara involved in a tangle again.
The forward got on the wrong side of the defender, nipping in front of him as he looked to make a clearance and appeared to catch the winger with his attempt.
Attwell showed no hesitation in pointing to the spot and Burn was sent off for a second bookable offence. Igor Thiago stepped up to hand Keith Andrews’ side the lead for the first time in the afternoon, sending Aaron Ramsdale the wrong way.
After the penalty decision was awarded minutes later, Keys returned with a series of digs after the Premier League statement and subsequent spot-kick.
He tweeted: “There is no wording in Law 12 – fouls and misconduct – regarding ‘minimal contact’.”
Before he added: “Wow. There’s less contact there. Paul Tierney in VAR has had a shocker. They had to give that one though.”
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