Newcastle 2 – 3 Brentford

VAR took centre stage for three controversial incidents as Brentford beat Newcastle 3-2 at St James’ Park in a dramatic, ding-dong Saturday Night Football encounter.

Referee Andy Madley was in the St James’ Park spotlight alongside VAR John Brooks over three penalty calls – two for Brentford and one for Newcastle.

But Keith Andrews’ side took the three points to ramp up the pressure on Eddie Howe in the other dugout – as Newcastle faced loud boos from their own supporters at full-time.

A dramatic evening at St James’ Park began after 93 seconds when Keane Lewis-Potter appeared to be tugged back by Kieran Trippier when through on goal.

But despite Brentford cries for a penalty and a red card, referee Madley waved away the claims – as did VAR Brooks, involved for a second week in a row after last weekend’s win for Manchester United against Fulham.

That call initially became contentious as Newcastle ended up taking the lead through Sven Botman, who headed Newcastle in front from the returning Bruno Guimares’ corner.

But Brentford would rally as Vitaly Janelt – who denied former Bees striker Yoane Wissa minutes before with a goal-line clearance – headed in a superb cross from Dango Ouattara to level the game.

And it got better for Brentford – via some help from VAR this time. Mathias Jensen’s goal-bound shot hit Jacob Murphy’s arm and referee Madley pointed to the spot. VAR Brooks agreed with the call, despite Murphy’s arms looking close to his body.

Igor Thiago dispatched the spot kick for his 17th Premier League goal of the season, as Newcastle were booed off by their own fans for the first time at half-time when staring down the barrel of a fourth straight top-flight game without a win.

Under-pressure Howe responded by bringing on Nick Woltemade and Anthony Elanga at half-time, as Newcastle dominated the second half. And after intense pressure on the Brentford goal, their leveller would come through VAR.

Elanga’s cross from the left was set for Guimaraes who missed it – but VAR Brooks spotted a pull back by Michael Kayode on the Newcastle captain. Madley was sent to the VAR monitor and gave the penalty, which Guimaraes dispatched.

But there would be another twist as Ouattara burst through into the penalty box to smash through Nick Pope’s legs to turn the tide back in Brentford’s favour.

Once again, Newcastle were loudly booed off by their fans as they sit 10 points behind fifth-placed Chelsea, who hold what is set to be the final Champions League spot for next season. They are now on a run of one win in eight in all competitions.

Brentford, meanwhile, sit in seventh – level on points with Liverpool. What a season Andrews is having.

WATCH: VAR’s THREE big calls at Newcastle!

Howe: No issues with fans booing

Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe to Sky Sports:

On booing at full-time: “I have no issue with the fans, it’s up to us to deliver better.”

On the game: “Massive disappointment. It was hard work for us today. Two physical teams going at each other. At 2-2, we were in the ascendancy, and I thought we’d win the game. The third goal was a bad one.

“It’s been a feature of some of our performances this season – when we’ve been leading, we haven’t put the game to bed.

“We felt we needed a different spark. I thought we were better for [the double change]. Bar the goals, I don’t think we defended badly. We lost a bit of belief.”

Where does this leave Howe and Newcastle?

Sky Sports’ Sam Blitz:

“Well where does this leave Eddie Howe now? Newcastle are on a run of one win in eight games across all competitions.

“In fairness, that run has included two games against Man City, as well as encounters with Liverpool, Aston Villa and PSG – but defeat here makes that blip a real slump.

“Ten points behind fifth – which is set to be the last Champions League position – with 13 Premier League games left.

“Eddie Howe already fielded questions over his future this week. With voices like Sandro Tonali calling for Champions League football next season, it may lead to even more doubts.”

Andrews: I wanted us to get that winner!

Brentford head coach Keith Andrews to Sky Sports:

“Difficult to put it all into perspective I suppose. A lot of drama, a lot of decisions going one way or another. I have immense pride in the performance levels, character – whatever was thrown at us, we dealt with it. It was needed coming into a place like this.

“When you come here, you know what type of game it’s going to be when the crowd get going. You have to be on your game, you have to show personality and bravery with the ball, and without the ball in the way you get after them. They did that so well.

“Going a goal down, getting ahead, getting the penalty decision to go to 2-2. To then go again – which I wanted us to do, I wanted us to push – and thankfully we were able to get the winner.

“Over the last two games, we’ve come into two different football clubs [Aston Villa and Newcastle], two different styles, two very good sides. I felt we were really calm throughout the games, which is a really pleasing thing.”

Story of the match in stats…

What’s coming up in the Premier League?