Viewers are convinced Dubravka was OFF HIS LINE for heroic FA Cup penalty save

Eagle-eyed fans on social media believe that Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka may have been off his line when he heroically denied Blackburn Rovers captain Dominic Hyam from the spot during their FA Cup clash on Tuesday night.

After neutralising the Magpies' late opening goal in 79th minute, the hosts forced the fifth round tie to a penalty shoot-out for a spot in the competition's quarter-finals after neither side was able to break the deadlock in extra time.

Blackburn regained their footing after Dubravka saved Sammie Szmodics' first kick when Aynsley Pears sprung into action to stop Harvey Barnes' attempt, but the Newcastle 'keeper again dived low to keep out Hyam's final effort and knock out the home side.

But those watching the match from home wondered if the tie might have ended with a different result had it been officiated with the assistance of VAR.

A number of users watching images from behind goal seemed to spot Dubravka off his line before the defender struck the ball.

One wrote: 'Unlucky for Blackburn against Newcastle especially seeing as Dubravka was off his line for winning penalty save!!!'

Another queried: 'No VAR tonight? Dubravka was off his line'.

A third added: 'Dubravka was off his line when Hyams' penalty was being taken. If it had VAR involved it would have been retaken.

'Just proves how corrupt officiating is nowadays'.

But some were keen to view the apparent missed call as a net positive for refereeing without the technology, with one user noting: 'No VAR and a brilliant game of non stop action.

'Loads and loads of chances by both teams!! Even at the end there VAR would have disallowed the last pen as Dubravka was off his line.

'The game just flows better not being stopped every five minutes'.

A place