Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank says it was an “absolute mistake” for the video assistant referee (VAR) to intervene and award Newcastle a penalty as his side earned a point in dramatic fashion at St James’ Park.
Cristian Romero’s injury-time overhead kick secured Spurs a 2-2 draw after the Magpies were awarded a controversial 86th-minute spot-kick 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 box as the hosts took a corner.
It looked like a tussle between the two players in the box as they both fell to the ground and, despite the official not giving the penalty initially, the Spurs midfielder was punished after the review.
Anthony Gordon converted from the spot before Romero’s 95th-minute leveller rescued a point for Frank’s men.
Premier League match manager said on X the penalty had been awarded because Bentancur “clearly does not look 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 kind of incident that happens at corners in most matches.
“It was an absolute mistake from the VAR,” said Spurs boss Frank.
“The referee did good to do the ref call and they encourage the refereeing call on the pitch. For me, that is never a penalty.
“Even speaking to some from Newcastle [they] don’t think it’s a penalty and we need consistency.
“I think the referee’s call on the pitch, he nailed it, and VAR can only be if it’s clear and obvious.”
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe added: “I hadn’t seen it, I’m only seeing it now. The big 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 call.”
