The Premier League has issued an explanation after Newcastle’s controversial opener against Tottenham was allowed to stand.
In need of a victory to end their three-match winless run, Tottenham made the perfect start at home to Newcastle when Dominic Solanke headed home after just four minutes.
But the home fans were left scratching their heads just a couple of minutes later as Anthony Gordon captailised on a loose pass to level the game up.
Playing out from the back, Lucas Bergvall’s pass richoted off Joelinton’s hand and into the path of Bruno Guimaraes, with the Brazilian sliding through Gordon to finish.
Bergvall and other Tottenham players surrounding the referee to protest the goal which, despite a VAR check was allowed to stand.
Ange Posteocglou appeared equally enranged with the decision on the sidline, but the Premier League has since confirmed that VAR officials deemed the handball to have been accidental.
‘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,’ a post on the Premier League Match Centre’s X account read.
Speaking on commentary, Ally McCoist backed VAR’s decision, saying: ‘There’s nothing Joelinton could do about it. His hand is completely down by his side and I’m pleased they’ve given the goal
‘I’m thrilled about that because I thought they would have disallowed it but I think VAR has got that spot on there is nothing he could have done about it.
‘The game should continue, it did continue and Newcastle got a deserved equaliser – great finish Anthony Gordon.’
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