The official line on Newcastle's win over out-of-form Liverpool

By Graham Poll for the Daily Mail

Published: 17:00 EST, 1 April 2012 | Updated: 17:00 EST, 1 April 2012

Liverpool penalty appeal: Penalty, plus a red card for Danny Simpson. After Andy Carroll knocked the ball towards goal, Simpson, the Newcastle defender on the post, moves his arm deliberately and prevents the ball crossing the line.

Almost impossible for referee Martin Atkinson to see, but if he had then Liverpool would have a penalty and Simpson a red card.

Save: Danny Simpson knocked the ball of the line with his arm

 

Pepe Reina red card: Dubious. After James Perch tripped Reina, the Liverpool goalkeeper reacted stupidly by running at Perch and barging him. He then lowered his forehead towards the opponent.

It appeared to make contact but the second angle on replay indicated that there was no contact as Demba Ba kept Perch and Reina apart.

Perch’s reaction was disgraceful - as bad as Andy Carroll’s blatant dive in the ninth minute. Reina should know better but he could win an appeal.

Ouch? James Perch reacts to Pepe Reina's alleged headbutt

 

Newcastle second goal: Offside. As Ba plays the ball through, Papiss Cisse is clearly in an offside position. Hatem Ben Arfa tries to play the ball; if he touches it Cisse would be onside and it’s a different phase of play.

As he does not touch it, Cisse should have been given offside from the original through-ball.

Brace: Papiss Cisse tucks in his second, and offside, goal