Tottenham Hotspur’s manager, Thomas Frank, has expressed strong criticism regarding a penalty awarded to Newcastle during a recent match at St James’ Park. This controversial decision, made through video assistant referee (VAR) intervention, has sparked debate in the football community.
Controversial VAR Decision
The incident occurred late in the match when the score was tied at 1-1. An 86th-minute corner kick led to Spurs midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur being penalized for holding Newcastle defender Dan Burn. Initially, referee Thomas Bramall did not award a penalty. However, after a review, he changed his decision.
Penalty Conversion
Anthony Gordon successfully converted the penalty, putting Newcastle ahead. However, Spurs equalized dramatically in injury time when Cristian Romero scored with an overhead kick, securing a 2-2 draw.
Managerial Reactions
- Thomas Frank: Called the VAR decision an “absolute mistake,” stressing the need for consistency in officiating.
- Eddie Howe: The Newcastle manager had a different perspective, suggesting that the call was likely correct as Bentancur was not looking at the ball.
Referee’s Justification
The Premier League match center reported referee Bramall’s justification. He noted that Bentancur’s actions qualified as a “holding offence” because he “clearly does not look at the ball.”
Frank acknowledged that even some Newcastle fans shared doubts about the penalty. He emphasized that the referee’s original decision on the pitch should stand unless there is clear and obvious evidence to overturn it.
Implications of VAR in Football
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about VAR’s role in football. Critics argue that such decisions can undermine the consistency and flow of the game, particularly in high-stakes matches like this clash between Tottenham and Newcastle.
