“The VAR is a joke, he didn’t deserve the red card. The red card needs to be investigated because i can’t accept this decision” – This is according to Eddie Howe as he claims that the VAR’s decision was excessive by giving Gordon a red card
“The VAR is a Joke!” — Eddie Howe Slams Officials Over Anthony Gordon’s Controversial Red Card, Demands Investigation 🚨⚽
The drama of the Premier League has once again been overshadowed by VAR controversy—and this time, it has left Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe absolutely furious.
Following his side’s heated clash, Howe did not hold back in his post-match interview. The focus of his frustration? The red card handed to Anthony Gordon, a decision that not only left Newcastle down to ten men but also tilted the momentum of the match entirely.
Howe Explodes at VAR: “It’s a Joke!” 😡
Howe’s words were as sharp as ever when asked about the controversial moment:
“The VAR is a joke. He didn’t deserve the red card. The red card needs to be investigated because I can’t accept this decision.”
The Newcastle boss argued passionately that Gordon’s challenge—while perhaps reckless—did not meet the threshold for a straight dismissal. For Howe, the decision reflected everything wrong with the current state of video officiating in English football.
The Incident That Sparked Outrage
The flashpoint came midway through the second half when Gordon went into a challenge that the referee initially deemed worthy of only a yellow card. But after VAR intervention, the decision was upgraded to a straight red.
Replays showed Gordon making contact, but Newcastle fans and pundits alike were quick to question whether the incident truly warranted such a severe punishment.
To many, it was a classic example of VAR overreach—slowing down replays, exaggerating contact, and stripping the referee of his authority on the field.
Howe’s Frustration Runs Deeper
This is not the first time Howe has clashed with VAR. The Newcastle boss has frequently voiced his concerns about inconsistencies in officiating—with some decisions being scrutinized endlessly while others are waved away without review.
“We’re told VAR is here to help the game, to make it fairer. But instead, it feels like it’s ruining matches and punishing players unfairly. Anthony didn’t deserve that. The referee saw it, made his call, and that should have been the end of it.”
Howe went on to suggest that Newcastle had been singled out, pointing to a string of controversial calls that have gone against his side this season.
Fans Join the Outrage
Newcastle supporters were quick to echo their manager’s sentiments. Social media lit up with anger, with fans blasting the officials and demanding accountability:
- “If that’s a red card, football’s gone. VAR is embarrassing us week after week.”
- “How many times will Newcastle be punished like this before something changes?”
- “VAR isn’t fixing mistakes—it’s making the game worse.”
Some fans even launched petitions online calling for the Premier League to review VAR protocols and hold officials accountable for questionable decisions.
A Broader VAR Problem in English Football
The controversy comes at a time when VAR is under intense scrutiny. From handball calls to offside decisions measured by millimeters, fans, players, and managers across the league have grown increasingly frustrated.
Even former referees have admitted that the interpretation of VAR guidelines has created confusion and inconsistency. Calls for reform—ranging from clearer rules to limited use of video intervention—are growing louder by the week.
What Happens Next?
Eddie Howe has made it clear: he expects the FA or the Premier League to take a closer look at Gordon’s red card. Whether or not that happens remains to be seen, but Newcastle will certainly feel hard done by as they face the prospect of losing one of their most dynamic attackers to suspension.
For Howe, however, the issue is bigger than just one player:
“If VAR keeps being used this way, football will lose its soul. It’s supposed to support referees, not rewrite the game. This has to change.”
🔥 Verdict: The VAR debate shows no signs of cooling down, and Eddie Howe’s fiery comments may just add more fuel to the calls for urgent reform. Newcastle feel wronged, their fans are livid, and once again, VAR finds itself at the center of football’s biggest talking point.
