A controversial refereeing decision at St James' Park cost West Ham a vital Premiership victory for the second weekend in succession.

After Graham Poll allowed Philippe Cristanval's late equaliser to stand for Fulham last week, it was Uriah Rennie's turn to leave the relegation threatened Irons in despair on Saturday.

The big talking point came as the Hammers, 2-0 up and defending for their lives a minute before half-time, watched Newcastle right winger James Milner fire a low cross-shot across the six yard box.

As the visitors' back four stepped up to leave Scott Parker clearly offside, the ball flew through Parker's legs, past a distracted Roy Carroll and into the net.

The assistant referee instantly flagged to signal the goal should be disallowed, but Rennie immediately overuled his deputy, outraging the staggered Irons defenders.

The goal took the wind out of the visitors' sails and at the same time gave the home side renewed hope they barely deserved as they went on to draw 2-2.