The Premier League are expected to receive an official complaint from Newcastle United about the standard of officiating in their recent matches, according to reports.

The Magpies have lost their last three top-flight games, conceding 11 goals in the process, but they have not been helped by some debatable refereeing decisions that have gone against them in these matches.

Their run of defeats started against Leicester earlier this month, when they slumped to a 4-0 loss. However, Leicester’s opening goal came in somewhat fortunate circumstances when they were awarded a penalty despite there appearing to be minimal contact when James Maddison was challenged by Jamaal Lascelles.

Eddie Howe’s side also felt hard done by on Thursday when Diogo Jota’s equalising goal for Liverpool was allowed to stand, even though Isaac Hayden was down in the penalty area with an apparent head injury.

Newcastle’s miserable week was capped off on Sunday when they were denied a penalty in the first half of their clash with Manchester City after Ederson clattered into Ryan Fraser inside the box.

The final incident was arguably the most obvious error, but VAR did not intervene to recommend that referee Martin Atkinson should change his original decision.

Newcastle have been left mystified with the string of decisions that have not gone in their favour, and are expected to ask for some clarity from the Premier League on the matter, as reported by The Telegraph.

Conspiracy theorists on Tyneside have suggested that the Premier League would not be disappointed to see Newcastle relegated this season after their controversial takeover by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund went through in October.

There is no evidence supporting this theory at the moment, though.

Still, Newcastle boss Howe and full-back Ryan Fraser have both voiced their frustration at refereeing calls in the past few days, highlighting how this has become a big issue for the side as they look to beat the drop.

The St James’ Park club have won just one of their opening 18 league matches this season, and sit three points adrift of safety.