Newcastle chairman and owner Dave Thompson is considering making a formal complaint following the draw against Sale.
Newcastle owner slams 'disgraceful decision'
Newcastle chairman and owner Dave Thompson is considering making a formal complaint over referee Tim Wigglesworth's handling of the Falcons' Aviva Premiership draw against Sale Sharks.
Thompson was furious with Wigglesworth's decision to allow a second-half try by Sale number eight Sisa Koyamaibole.
Television replays appeared to show Sale hooker Marc Jones knocking the ball on in the immediate build-up before Koyamaibole touched down.
"It was a disgraceful decision," fumed Thompson. "There was a blatant knock-on and I'm considering making a formal complaint."
Suprised
Falcons coach Alan Tait was also surprised to see Sale back-rower James Gaskell escape a yellow card for allegedly punching James Hudson.
Hudson was penalised for holding on in the tackle after the officials discussed the matter.
"I think I'd be holding on if I was being punched five times, which is what Gaskell was doing," said Tait. "I thought punching was supposed be a yellow card, but we don't seem to have any consistency with decisions."
The draw puts Newcastle five points ahead of Leeds and Tait added:" There is plenty of talent here and I'm not about to press any panic buttons, there's nothing to be gained from panicking.
"We do have quality players and I hope this draw and way we came back will kick-start our recovery. I did think the game had gone at 19-9 so I have to be happy we got back to 19-19."