'It was a perfect process' –  Ex-Premier League referee defends VAR protocol after Newcastle United controversy

Shelvey latched on to an Andy Carroll flick on and turned home as the home defenders, and keeper, gave up the fight.

Despite the flag going up, Atwell took it to VAR and Carroll was ruled onside sealing the victory.

Gallagher said: “It was a perfect process.

“Teams were told to play for the whistle. The referee tells them to keep playing.

“It is the perfect process from the referee.

“Every team was told the rules in the summer. The referee has applied the law and the players have to do the same.

“Play to whistle - I come back to the fact the referee told the players to play on, and Jonjo did.”

On VAR in general, he added: “Whether we like it or not we have to live with it.”