Premier League statement released as Tottenham fans fume over decision during Newcastle loss
Tottenham lost 2-1 to Newcastle to mount further pressure on Ange Postecoglou
The Premier League have released a statement to explain why Newcastle's equaliser at Tottenham was allowed to stand on Saturday. Joelinton's handball was deemed to be accidental, meaning the goal could stand, much to the annoyance of the home fans.
Ange Postecoglou's side scored the opener just four minutes in when Dominic Solanke headed the North London club into the lead. But they were pegged back just two minutes later when Anthony Gordon fired home following a loss of possession at the back for Spurs.
However, the hosts immediately believed the Magpies' response would be cancelled with the ball striking Joelinton's arm in the immediate build up. The Brazilian intercepted a pass from Lucas Bergvall, but only after the ball ricocheted off his hand.
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The goal was checked by VAR officials at Stockley Park, who backed up on-field referee Andrew Madley's initial decision. It was determined Joelinton's hand was in a natural position at his side, reports The Mirror.
A statement from the Premier League read: "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."
After initially suggesting the goal could be ruled out, TNT Sports pundit Ally McCoist spoke of his relief at it actually being awarded. He said: "I’m absolutely thrilled about [it], as I thought they would have disallowed it with the handball, but clearly I think it was absolutely spot on.
"There was nothing he could have done about it, the game should continue, it did continue and Newcastle got a deserved equaliser. Great finish Anthony Gordon. In the grand scheme of things, I think the goal should stand, and I’m glad it did."
Former Premier League defender Curtis Davies, working as a pundit on BBC Radio 5 Live said of the goal: "Spurs....again giving the ball away.
"The ball is played by Lucas Bergvall and he is trying to play it wide. Joelinton gets the block and then a simple ball into Anthony Gordon. I have no idea about the handball rule anymore."
There was similar confusion from social media users watching the game, with one saying: "Literally the perfect example of handball – intentional or not," while another said: "It was kicked at his hand he didn’t move his hand toward the ball..."
Tottenham's fury was compounded later in the first half when Joelinton avoided punishment for what appeared to be an elbow in the face of Bergvall. Replays showed contact was made, but VAR decided they didn't need to intervene.
Dan Burn then escaped a second yellow card for another handball offence. The Toon defender put his arms out wide and blocked a Spurs pass, but despite already being cautioned, Madley opted to give him another chance.
After a more serene period of action, in-form Newcastle took control of the game when Alexander Isak tapped home at the far post to complete a first-half comeback. And the visitors hung on to record a 2-1 victory which boosts their hopes of returning to the Champions League.
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