Premier League explains Tottenham v Newcastle United VAR handball decision as Ange Postecoglou goes 'bezerk'
The Premier League has issued a statement explaining the VAR decision as Spurs host Newcastle United.
Newcastle United saw their opening goal against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday afternoon survive a nervy VAR check following a potential handball by Magpies man Joelinton in the run up.
Dominic Solanke opened the scoring for the hosts after just four minutes, heading home from a teasing Pedro Porro cross. That lead lasted just two minutes with Anthony Gordon firing home at the other end after Spurs lost possession.
England manager Thomas Tuchel, who officially started his post with the Three Lions this month, is in attendance in North London this afternoon as the two Englishmen found themselves on the back of the net. Solanke’s goal was the first time Newcastle United have conceded in the league since early December, having kept four clean sheets in a row.
Premier League provide statement on Tottenham Hotspur VAR decision
Andy Madley is the referee for the meeting between Spurs and Newcastle United with Chris Kavanagh in charge of VAR along with assistant Sian Massey-Ellis. The video referee was called into action early on in the match, with Spurs claiming a handball ahead of the Magpies goal.
Brazil international Joelinton intercepted a pass by Lucas Bergvall, but appeared to do so with his hand, before Bruno Guimaraes slotted through Gordon. Madely paused the match after the goal to allow for a VAR check to go on, which confirmed the goal.
A statement from the Premier League Match Centre on social media platform X during the game confirmed: “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.”
Ange Postecoglou ‘agitated’ by Newcastle United goal
It was a decision that pleased football legend and pundit Ally McCoist as he worked to cover the game on TNT Sports. As soon as the goal went in, the 62-year-old said: “They want a handball. I’ll tell you right now, Spurs want a handball. I’m not sure they are going to get it but Bergvall is claiming, it might hit Joelinton’s hand, it’s going to be interesting.
“To be fair to Joelinton, there’s absolutely nothing he can do about it. It’s a brilliant finish. I think they will disallow it and I think it’s really harsh. His hand is completely down by his side.”
After the goal was given, Darren Fletcher explained: “The explanation from Chris Kavanagh is that the hand is by his side in a natural position, and therefore they’ve allowed it to go. Postecoglou is going bezerk. He’s clearly agitated”
McCoist added: “I’m pleased about it. I’m thrilled. I thought they would have disallowed it but, clearly, VAR have got in spot on. They game should continue, did continue, and Newcastle United have a deserved equaliser.”