Newcastle v Arsenal: Why was a penalty not given for Gabriel’s handball?

Newcastle United were not given a penalty in Sunday’s 2-1 loss to Arsenal, despite appeals for a late penalty for handball at St James’ Park.

Arsenal’s Gabriel attempted a slide tackle on Anthony Elanga when the ball hit his outstretched arm in the penalty area.

Referee Jarred Gillett ruled that it was not a penalty, which was confirmed by the video assistant referee (VAR).

The Premier League Match Centre, on X, said: “The referee’s call of no penalty was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the ball deemed to have deflected off Gabriel’s shin and onto his arm.”

A new Premier League rule, introduced in 2024, states that not every touch of a player’s hand or arm with the ball is an offence.

The revised rule defines what movement does not constitute as a handball offence, these are:

Former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin said on BBC Radio 5 Live: “My first thought was yes, it’s handball. I have seen it again and in a normal world, I am giving a penalty there.”

“Elanga is having that strike and it’s coming off Gabriel onto his arm,” explains Match of the Day pundit and former Manchester City striker, Ellen White.

“It’s deflected off his shin onto his arm – which means that is not a penalty and it is the correct decision from the referee, confirmed and checked by VAR.”

Thanks to Toby in Greece and David in Northumberland for the question.

This article is the latest from BBC Sport’s Ask Me Anything team.