The Premier League faced backlash after Newcastle’s equalizing goal against Tottenham was allowed despite claims of a handball in the build-up.
The incident left fans and pundits divided, raising questions about the consistency of VAR rulings in high-stakes matches. Here’s a closer look at what unfolded and why the decision stood.
VAR and the Handball Debate
Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon scored a crucial equalizer after Lucas Bergvall’s pass deflected off Joelinton’s hand and reached Bruno Guimaraes, who assisted Gordon.
VAR reviewed the play and determined the handball to be accidental, citing Joelinton’s arm position as natural. The decision drew criticism from Tottenham players and their manager, but VAR officials maintained their stance.
Expert Opinions and Fallout
Football pundit Ally McCoist defended VAR, stating that Joelinton’s hand placement left him with no control over the deflection.
Despite this, Tottenham fans and coach Ange Postecoglou expressed frustration, arguing that the ruling unfairly impacted the match. The incident underscores the ongoing debate about how VAR interprets handball incidents in competitive games.
