Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank says it was an “absolute mistake” for the video assistant referee (VAR) to intervene and award Newcastle a penalty as his team claimed a point in dramatic fashion at St James’ Park.
Cristian Romero’s overhead kick in stoppage time secured Spurs a 2-2 draw after the Magpies were awarded a controversial penalty in the 86th minute with the score at 1-1.
Referee Thomas Bramall was sent to the pitchside monitor after VAR spotted Rodrigo Bentancur holding Newcastle defender Dan Burn in the penalty area as the hosts took a corner.
It looked like a fight between the two players in the box as they both fell to the ground and, despite the referee not initially awarding the penalty, the Spurs midfielder was penalized following review.
Anthony Gordon converted from the penalty spot before Romero’s 95th-minute equalizer rescued a point for Frank’s men.
The Premier League match director said on X that the penalty had been awarded because Bentancur was “clearly not looking at the ball” while committing a “holding offence”.
Spurs were unhappy with the decision, while pundits were also quick to criticise, suggesting it was the type of corner incident that occurs in most games.
“It was an absolute mistake by VAR,” Spurs manager Frank said.
“The referee did well to blow the referee’s whistle and they encourage the referee’s whistle on the field. For me, that is never a penalty.
“Even talking to some of Newcastle [they] I don’t think it’s a penalty and we need consistency.
“I think the referee’s decision on the field was right, and the VAR can only be right if it is clear and obvious.”
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe added: “I hadn’t seen it, I’m just seeing it now. The important thing is the defender isn’t looking at the ball at all, he’s looking at Dan.” [Burn]. “I think it’s probably the right decision.”
