In a recent Premier League clash at St. James’ Park, Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank expressed strong criticism regarding the video assistant referee (VAR) intervention that awarded Newcastle United a controversial penalty. The match ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw, with Cristian Romero equalizing for Spurs in injury time.
Penalty Controversy During the Match
The incident in question occurred late in the game, specifically in the 86th minute, with the score tied at 1-1. Referee Thomas Bramall initially did not award a penalty when Newcastle was granted a corner. However, after VAR review, he was instructed to check the pitchside monitor.
- Rodrigo Bentancur of Spurs was penalized for holding Newcastle defender Dan Burn.
- Anthony Gordon converted the subsequent penalty, giving Newcastle a temporary lead.
- Cristian Romero’s late goal salvaged a point for Tottenham.
Response from Managers
Thomas Frank labeled the VAR decision an “absolute mistake.” He stated that the initial call by the referee was appropriate and emphasized that such incidents should maintain consistency across matches.
“Even speaking to some from Newcastle, they don’t think it’s a penalty,” Frank noted, highlighting the mixed opinions on the decision. He added, “VAR should only intervene in clear and obvious situations.”
Newcastle’s manager, Eddie Howe, had a different perspective. He acknowledged the penalty while observing that the defender was focused on Burn rather than the ball. This commentary suggests some support for the VAR decision, even amid criticism.
Summary of Key Events
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Penalty Awarded | 86th minute for holding in the box |
| Penalty Conversion | Anthony Gordon scored |
| Spurs Equalizer | Cristian Romero’s goal in injury time |
The incident has sparked a debate about the role of VAR in the Premier League and its impact on the flow of the game. With differing opinions from both managers, it remains to be seen how the league will address such controversial decisions in future matches.
