Ex-PGMOL chief lashes out as Reece James controversy ignored in Chelsea vs Newcastle
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Credit: Imago / Sky Sports Ex-PGMOL chief lashes out as Reece James controversy ignored in Chelsea vs Newcastle Sat 14 March 2026 19:40, UK Reece James should have conceded a penalty during Chelsea‘s damning defeat to Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge.That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the captain was fortunate not to be punished for a holding offence on Saturday, 14 March.Anthony Gordon had already opened the lead when the Magpies should have been given the chance to double their lead from 12 yards, with Malick Thiaw being dragged to the floor inside the penalty area.Even after a VAR review, the penalty calls were waved away in the 35th minute, meaning James avoided giving away a penalty in the same week as he put pen to paper on a new deal at Stamford Bridge.Chelsea would go on to lose to Newcastle despite the reprieve, though. VISIT THE CHELSEA MATCH HUB Reece James was guilty of grappling inside the penalty areaSpeaking exclusively to Football Insider about the blatant penalty incident, the former referee said: “This holding offence committed by Reece James should have resulted in a penalty kick.
He’s grabbed his opponent, and it should have resulted in a penalty kick. Something needs to be done.”Credit: ImagoIt was utterly baffling not to see the full-back-turned-midfielder punished for this incident, and Eddie Howe will likely have something to say after the full-time whistle.What did Newcastle fans make of the incident?Unsurprisingly, Newcastle fans are certain that it was a “nailed-on” penalty at Stamford Bridge, with many also trolling the referee after he was pictured in the middle of Chelsea’s pre-game huddle.James isn't even looking for the ball.
Not even looking at what's going on. Only focus is to drag Thiaw down.— Dog (@Dog813582666049) March 14, 2026 View Tweet Even many Chelsea fans have admitted that James should have been punished, and that says everything that football viewers from around the globe need to know about the league’s officiating.Newcastle fans were left disappointed by the decision, but they would eventually go on to win all three points. 🦁 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.