Wayne Rooney Explodes Over Aston Villa vs Newcastle Controversy: 'One of the Worst Decisions I’ve Ever Seen'

In a thrilling yet highly controversial FA Cup fourth-round match on February 14, 2026, Newcastle United defeated Aston Villa 3-1 at Villa Park, but the result was overshadowed by refereeing blunders in a game without VAR technology.[2][1]

The drama unfolded early as Villa's Lucas Digne committed a high, studs-up challenge on Newcastle's Jacob Murphy. Referee Chris Kavanagh issued only a yellow card, sparking outrage. BBC pundit Wayne Rooney lambasted the decision, calling it "one of the worst decisions I have ever seen in football." He emphasized, "At no stage was Digne out of the penalty box. He is three or four yards inside... it’s an absolute shocker." The linesman, positioned right in front, failed to spot the infraction inside the area, allowing Villa to stay at full strength temporarily.[2][3][1]

The tide turned just before halftime when Villa goalkeeper Marco Bizot rushed out and felled Murphy, denying a clear goal-scoring chance. Kavanagh correctly showed a red card, reducing Villa to ten men. With only goal-line technology available in FA Cup ties at top-flight grounds, the call stood firm.[2]

Second-half officiating woes persisted. Digne again escaped punishment when he blocked a Newcastle cross with his arm clearly inside the penalty box; Kavanagh awarded a free-kick outside instead. Newcastle's Kieran Trippier noted post-match, "There’s no VAR, I’m sure it was a penalty, but this is football, you have to react to disappointment and we did that."[2]

Newcastle capitalized on their numerical edge and the Magpies' resilience, securing victory amid fan and pundit fury over the "officiating chaos." Rooney's explosive rant encapsulated the night's sense of injustice, fueling debates on refereeing standards sans VAR.[2][1]

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