Premier League make assertion as Tottenham rage at VAR in Newcastle ‘handball’ determination

On Jan 4, 2025

Newcastle scored a highly controversial equaliser at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with the Magpies’ goal allowed to stand by VAR as Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou was left fuming

14:06, 04 Jan 2025Updated 14:10, 04 Jan 2025

Ange Postecoglou fumes during Tottenham’s clash with Newcastle(Image: No credit)

Newcastle‘s controversial equaliser against Tottenham was given the green light after Joelinton’s handball was judged unintentional.

Spurs had taken an early lead in a thrilling match with a goal from Dominic Solanke just four minutes in. However, their advantage was short-lived as Anthony Gordon levelled the score for Newcastle only two minutes later, capitalising on a defensive error by Spurs.

The Tottenham camp was up in arms immediately after Newcastle’s goal, convinced it would be disallowed due to the ball hitting Joelinton’s arm before he played it. The Brazilian had intercepted a pass from Lucas Bergvall, but the ball had made contact with his hand first.

VAR officials at Stockley Park reviewed the incident and supported referee Andrew Madley’s decision on the pitch. They concluded that Joelinton’s hand was positioned naturally at his side – a decision that left Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou livid.

The Premier League issued a statement explaining: “The referee’s call of goal was confirmed by VAR, who checked for a potential handball by Joelinton in the build-up and deemed that his arm was by his side, in a natural position and the contact was accidental,” reports the Mirror.

Newcastle’s goal was allowed to stand despite the ball hitting Joelinton’s hand in the build up(Image: No credit)

TNT Sports commentator Ally McCoist initially feared the goal would be disallowed but expressed his satisfaction when the decision went Newcastle’s way. He commented: “I’m absolutely thrilled about [it], as I thought they would have disallowed it with the handball, but clearly I think it was absolutely spot on.

“There was nothing he could have done about it, the game should continue, it did continue and Newcastle got a deserved equaliser. Great finish Anthony Gordon. In the grand scheme of things, I think the goal should stand, and I’m glad it did.”

Former Premier League defender Curtis Davies, providing analysis on BBC Radio 5 Live, remarked: “Spurs….again giving the ball away.

“The ball is played by Lucas Bergvall and he is trying to play it wide. Joelinton gets the block and then a simple ball into Anthony Gordon. I have no idea about the handball rule anymore.”

Viewers were also thrown into confusion over the incident, with social media comments such as: “Literally the perfect example of handball intentional or not,” and others expressing similar bewilderment: “It was kicked at his hand he didn’t move his hand toward the ball..”

Tottenham were furious when Dan Burn avoided a yellow card for this incident(Image: No credit)

Tottenham’s frustration only grew thicker in the later stage of the first half when an apparent elbow to Bergvall’s face from Joelinton went without sanction. VAR examined the situation but deemed no intervention necessary despite clear replay evidence.

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Adding to the controversy, Dan Burn narrowly averted a second yellow for another hand-related infringement. Having received an earlier caution, he again used his arms to impede a Spurs attempt, yet referee Madley decided he deserved leniency.

Following a stretch of less tumultuous play, a resurgence from Newcastle culminated in Alexander Isak’s close-range effort, securing a lead reversal before the break.