‘Gutless’ :Chris Sutton and Robbie Savage in heated clash live on air over Everton controversy v Newcastle United

Chris Sutton and Robbie Savage clashed over differing opinions after Dominic Calvert-Lewin was denied a penalty against Newcastle United at Everton on Saturday (October 5th).

   The Toffees forward was brought down in the Magpies penalty area when challenged by Dan Burn and after a lengthy VAR review, referee Craig Pawson decided not to award the spot-kick.

   While Savage was adamant that a penalty should be awarded to Sean Dyche’s side, Sutton was having absolutely none of it when the duo learned it live.

   Sutton is live on BBC Radio 5 Live [5.  October, 19:43] said: “It’s great because he’s supposed to be a football pundit. Dan Burns has his body in the way and Dominic Calvert-Lewin kicks him. I don’t know what you’re talking about, do you think that should be a penalty?

   Savage replied: “Correct me if I’m wrong. At the Euros, didn’t England get a penalty at the Euros for Harry Kane kicking a defender? Am I wrong? You’ve just got Gareth Southgate on speed dial. That’s a penalty – stoners.”

   In response, Sutton said: “You know you’re just making things up. You don’t have to blindly support Sean Dyche because you spoke to him during the week. That’s just unreasonable of you. It wasn’t a penalty.”

   Everton have denied the penalty decision against Newcastle United

   Everton can’t complain about the decision to award the Magpies a penalty after James Tarkowski dragged Sandro Tonali to the floor, but they certainly have a case here.

   Arguments about such incidents will continue for weeks, especially if the Premier League eventually apologizes for the wrong decision, but this case is not so black and white.

   Similar decisions are being made across the country, so it’s understandable for Goodison Park fans to be frustrated and feel they’re being treated unfairly by league officials.

   The officials were heckled and harassed all night at Goodison Park, with bemoaning late offside flags, light fouls and both penalty decisions – Anthony Gordon missing a spot-kick.

   VAR is still a major talking point in the world of football and with human error still a huge factor in technology, controversial decisions will never leave the sport.