Two big refereeing decisions dominated discussions after Newcastle United's goalless draw at Everton on Saturday night.

Eddie Howe's Magpies were awarded a first-half spot-kick after Sandro Tonali was hauled to the ground by Everton defender James Tarkowski. However, Anthony Gordon's effort from 12 yards was saved by England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford as United were frustrated on Merseyside.

Newcastle dominated the game but couldn't turn their possession into too many clear-cut chances, and almost paid the price when Everton had a rare chance in the second period. After Nick Pope saved Dominic Calvert-Lewin's effort, the Toffees striker fell under a challenge from Dan Burn when attempting to knock in the rebound.

However, referee Craig Pawson was unmoved, with video replays showing the Calvert-Lewin had in fact kicked Burn as he fell, with the United defender not bringing him down. Unlike with the Tarkowski incident, VAR opted not to recommend a second look as the game remained goalless.

The Premier League is keen to make the VAR decision open and transparent, and both incidents were explained on their Premier League Match Centre social media account on X.

Explaining why Pawson was advised to check the foul on Tonali, having missed it in open play, they tweeted: "The referee's call of no penalty for the challenge by Tarkowski on Tonali is checked by VAR, who recommended an on-field review deeming that this was a non-footballing action. The referee then awarded a penalty to Newcastle United."

And when it came to the second-half incident, this was the explanation: "The referee's call of no penalty for the challenge between Calvert-Lewin and Burn is checked and confirmed by VAR - deeming that Calvert-Lewin kicked the back of Burn's leg."