EDDIE HOWE has insisted referee Andy Madley was right to turn down Arsenal’s frantic appeals for a last-minute penalty against Jacob Murphy in Newcastle United’s goalless draw at the Emirates last night.

The Magpies became the first team to prevent Arsenal from scoring in a league game this season as they restricted the league leaders to a handful of goalscoring opportunities.

Nick Pope’s late save from Eddie Nketiah proved crucial, but Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta felt his side should have been awarded a penalty late on.

Granit Xhaka’s cross struck Jacob Murphy on the arm, but the Newcastle substitute was standing just a yard away from his opponent and his arm was by his side.

Madley opted not to award a penalty, a call that was then backed up by VAR, and while Arteta branded the decision “scandalous”, Howe felt it was the right verdict.

The Newcastle head coach said: “If it was the other way round, I would be shouting for it, but probably not with the belief that it should be given.

“I think the distance is too tight. I don’t think Jacob’s arm is aloft – I think it’s by his side. So, for me, that shouldn’t be a penalty.”

Howe and Arteta became exchanged in a touchline war of words after the incident, but the Newcastle boss insists he has no hard feelings towards his managerial counterpart.

He said: “I’ve got no issue at all. Mikel is a top manager and a top coach, I think he’s done an incredible job here. There were no issues between us.”