Isak’s penalty keeps Newcastle’s champions league bid alive in 1-1 Brighton draw

Alexander Isak salvaged a crucial point for Newcastle United in a 1-1 draw against Brighton, keeping the Magpies’ Champions League hopes alive.

In a bizarre second half, referee Craig Pawson awarded Newcastle three penalties — but only one was eventually taken and converted by Isak.

The first spot-kick was overturned by VAR after it confirmed that Tariq Lamptey’s foul on Anthony Gordon occurred outside the box.

In a match reported by Sky Sports, the second was rescinded after Joe Willock was booked for simulation, following initial contact with Jan Paul van Hecke.

However, the third penalty was clear-cut: Yasin Ayari handled the ball from a Newcastle free kick, and VAR confirmed the decision.

Isak confidently stepped up to fire home and secure what could prove a vital point.

The equaliser partly offset the frustration of conceding yet another goal to former player Yankuba Minteh.

The 20-year-old, whom Eddie Howe was hesitant to sell last summer, opened the scoring for Brighton with a deflected shot off Dan Burn just before the half-hour mark. Minteh had also scored against Newcastle in Brighton’s 2-1 FA Cup win in March.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.