Dermot Gallagher questions referee's positioning over possible Newcastle penalty

Former Premier League official Dermot Gallagher has admitted that Newcastle United were unlucky not to be handed a penalty in Saturday's fixture at Manchester United.

Newcastle were already two goals ahead when Jonjo Shelvey's free kick was blocked by the arm of Ashley Young, and the referee failed to spot the deflection and instead awarded a goal kick.

Replays showed the official looking away from the free kick, and Gallagher has acknowledged that lessons must be learned after the incident.

Gallagher told Sky Sports News: "I think it raises an interesting point. I think the referees will have to consider where they are going to stand at this type of free kick. He has gone for what he thinks is priority, with the priority being where the ball is going to drop.

"The learning point is that they will need to think of a different angle to cover both options or use a different official."

Newcastle went on to suffer a 3-2 defeat at Old Trafford.