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 team earned a point in dramatic fashion at St James’ Park.
Cristian Romero’s injury-time overhead kick gave Spurs a 2–2 draw, after the Magpies were awarded a controversial spot-kick in the 86th minute with the score at 1–1.
Referee Thomas Brammall was sent to the pitchside monitor after VAR saw Rodrigo Bentancur holding Newcastle defender Dan Byrne in the penalty box as the hosts took a corner.
There appeared to be a scuffle between the two players in the box as they both fell to the ground and despite the official not initially awarding a penalty, the Spurs midfielder was awarded a penalty after a review.
Romero’s 95th-minute leveler rescued a point for Frank’s men, before Anthony Gordon scored from the spot.
The Premier League match manager stated that the penalty was awarded because Bentancur “clearly did not see the ball when committing the offence”.
Spurs were unhappy with the decision, while pundits were also quick to criticize and suggest that this was the kind of incident that happens on corners in most matches.
“It was a complete mistake on the part of VAR,” said Spurs boss Frank.
“The referee did well by making referee calls and he encouraged referee calls on the pitch. For me, it’s never a penalty.
“Even speaking to some people at Newcastle (they) don’t think it’s a penalty and we need continuity.
“I think the referee’s call on the pitch, he made it, and VAR can only be there if it’s clear and obvious.”
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said: “I didn’t see it, I’m looking at it now. The big thing is the defender isn’t looking at the ball at all, he’s looking at Dan (Byrne). I think it’s probably the right decision.”
<a href