Alan Shearer responds to Jeff Stelling's Match of the Day criticism after Newcastle VAR call

Alan Shearer has hit back at Jeff Stelling on social media after the latter criticised BBC's 'production' on Match of the Day.

Opting not to show footage of the Magpies penalty in which Anthony Gordon was fouled by West Ham's Kalvin Phillips, the former Soccer Saturday host issued his displeasure.

With VAR having to intervene at St. James' Park on Saturday lunchtime, the decision has caused a rift between former players and pundits alike.

Stelling, who stepped down host of the popular show last season, took to social media this weekend questioning why the BBC decided against showing the controversial call.

"Interesting that [Match of the Day] MotD decided the second Newcastle pen was not worth discussing despite it being prob the most controversial decision of the weekend," he began via X, formerly known as Twitter.

"Not the fault btw of @AlexScott just terrible production decision."

The now talkSPORT regular caused quite the stir with fans seemingly split on the decision to award a penalty in the 4-3 thriller.

Shearer, who couldn't hide his joy after Eddie Howe's men came back from 3-1 down to win, soon responded adding further fuel to the fire.

"Morning Jeff. My guess is they didn’t show it because it was a certain penalty and as you know time is limited on the show! Hope all well," wrote Shearer.

West Ham United boss David Moyes was one man in particular who was left feeling frustrated given the two penalties that went against his side across the 90 minutes.

The Hammers have now won 3 of their last 15 games in all competitions as pressure continues to mount on the Scot.

“Gordon restricted Kalvin Phillips from kicking the ball,” said Moyes.

“It was the wrong decision. The player actually places his leg to be kicked.

“We’ve had an incredibly poor run of stuff from referees. It was a day when very few decisions went for us.

“Anthony Gordon had planted his leg because obviously Kalvin Phillips is looking forward. He’s just about to clear the ball. He [Gordon] plants his leg in front of it and he [Phillips] kicks the back of his leg. You need to decide what way you want to look at it."

Featured Image Credit: BBC/Sky Sports

Topics: Alan Shearer, David Moyes, Jeff Stelling, Newcastle United, West Ham United, Football

Matthew Holt

Matthew is a Freelance Sports Journalist who also works for Manchester United, GOAL and Reach PLC. He supports Scunthorpe United.

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