Chelsea vs Newcastle United ref watch: Three decisions Paul Tierney got wrong
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Credit: Imago Chelsea vs Newcastle United ref watch: Three decisions Paul Tierney got wrong Sat 14 March 2026 19:29, UK Paul Tierney had plenty of incidents to unravel as Chelsea and Newcastle United clashed at Stamford Bridge.The referee was an unfavourable figure amongst both sets of supporters on Saturday, 14 March, though the Magpies were by far the happier group at the full-time whistle after claiming a narrow win.Anthony Gordon’s 18th-minute strike made all the difference in West London, with the Blues unable to find a breakthrough, and it could have been an even better evening for the away side.Tierney was far from having a faultless display in the centre of the pitch, and Football Insider has dissected three of his biggest mistakes during another Premier League defeat for Chelsea.Credit: Imago ⚽ Chelsea Matchday⚽ Team news, line-ups, expert previews and tactical analysis for every Chelsea fixture at Stamford Bridge. VISIT THE CHELSEA MATCH HUB Paul Tierney dishes out harsh punishment for Moises CaicedoMoises Caicedo is absolutely no stranger to a yellow card, and that was proven when picking up his ninth caution of the 2025-26 Premier League season.
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES However, on this occasion, it did seem like a very harsh decision from Tierney.The Ecuadorian launched into a sliding challenge on Nick Woltemade, who was hoping to run away from his opponent, but after what seemed like a good tackle, the referee punished him. It was soft.Reece James avoids conceding a penalty on Malick ThiawThe Blues could have been even further behind in the 35th minute when Reece James took a huge risk.Having only signed a new contract this week, the right-back and Chelsea captain dragged Malick Thiaw over inside the penalty area at a corner, with a VAR review taking place.Credit: ImagoTierney somehow didn’t spot the infringement, but to make matters even worse, VAR agreed with the on-field decision, refusing to send the referee to the monitor.
Baffling.Cole Palmer’s absolutely embarrassing penalty claimRosenior’s players were clearly trying anything to get back into the game, and that was made clear in the 62nd minute when Cole Palmer cried out for a spot-kick.At first, it appeared that the England international had been caught by Woltemade, but replays showed that it was actually Palmer who stood on his opponent’s foot.If anything, it should have been a Newcastle free-kick, and a yellow card shown to Palmer for simulation. 🦁 Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Chelsea Insider Access Get the full story from Stamford Bridge and Cobham with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from West London.