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George Bennett

Gary Lineker makes VAR admission after Newcastle United's shock FA Cup defeat at Sheffield Wednesday

Gary Lineker claims football is 'much more fun without VAR' after Newcastle United were defeated 2-1 by Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough.

The Magpies were eliminated in the third round of the FA Cup for the third season on the spin, after Josh Windass' double earned the League One side a shock victory.

Windass opened the scoring when he stabbed home Dennis Adeniran's low cross from inside the six-yard box in the 52nd minute. Despite there being a huge suggestion of offside, the incident could not be reviewed, as VAR was not in operation at Hillsborough.

During the game, former England international and BBC presenter Lineker tweeted: "Football's much more fun without VAR."

READ MORE: Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 Newcastle player ratings as subs can't prevent FA Cup exit

A mix-up between Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes was pounced upon by Michael Smith, who slotted the ball in behind the Newcastle defence. Windass remained composed to fire a confident finish beyond Martin Dubravka and double Wednesday's advantage inside 65 minutes.

Guimaraes reduced the deficit 21 minutes from time, also seemingly from an offside position, but Newcastle failed to find an equaliser, as Chris Wood blazed a golden chance over the crossbar.

Eddie Howe made eight changes from the goalless draw against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Monday. Alexander Isak made his long-awaited return to action after over three months out of action, but was replaced at the break by Wood.

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