Newcastle were awarded a controversial penalty during their draw with Tottenham following VAR intervention with Rio Ferdinand claiming it was a “disgraceful” decision.
Manager Rio Ferdinand slammed those involved for making a “disgraceful decision” by awarding Newcastle a penalty in the final minute of their 2-2 draw with Tottenham.
Anthony Gordon’s goal with four minutes left looked to have won the hosts, but Cristian Romero equalized with his second goal of the night late in stoppage time. Referee Thomas Bramall was sent to the pitchside monitor after VAR spotted Rodrigo Bentancur holding down Dan Byrne in the penalty area as the hosts took a corner kick.
Following a review, the spot-kick was awarded, with the Premier League match manager saying on social media that it was because Bentancur “obviously did not see the ball” when he committed a “holding violation”.
This did not sit well with many observers. Ferdinand was one of them. The former defender said: “Disgraceful decision to reward #NUFC’s penalty… those in charge of VAR should be ashamed, and the referee should also consider it afterwards and be ashamed.”
Jamie Carragher claimed: “I think the penalty shoot-out ruling was really harsh. I understand he didn’t see the ball, but in the end it was the sheer power of Dan Byrne. Dan Byrne is so much bigger and stronger than him… Byrne almost knocked him to the floor.”
read more: Premier League Match Center release statement following VAR controversy at Newcastle vs. Tottenhamread more: Pep Guardiola warns Arsenal after Erling Haaland’s ‘insane’ performance
Bruno Guimarães gave Newcastle the lead and Romero equalized for Tottenham. His overhead kick then ensured the North Londoners returned south with a point, but the closely watched Thomas Frank was furious at VAR’s involvement.
He said: “It was a complete mistake by VAR. The referee gave a good call and encouraged the referee’s decisions on the pitch. For me, it was never a penalty. I’ve talked to some of the people at Newcastle and[they]don’t think it’s a penalty, so we need consistency. I think the referee’s decision on the pitch was spot on. VAR can only be used when it’s clear and obvious.”
Eddie Howe cited Bentancur’s lack of vision for the ball and insisted it was “probably the right decision.” However, the lack of consistency proved to be the biggest frustration of holding the offense on most set pieces, which were rarely picked up or penalized.
The stalemate means both teams have the same record after 14 games, with neither side in the top half despite their European ambitions. Meanwhile, Tottenham must get their last Premier League win back on October 26, before hosting Frank’s former club Brentford at the weekend.
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