Ex-FIFA referee slams controversy in Newcastle vs Tottenham clash, claiming fresh footage proves it was a penalty.
Tottenham’s 2-2 draw with Newcastle United was clouded by controversy after the hosts were awarded a debatable penalty.
Cristian Romero delivered a stunning double at St James’ Park on Tuesday, rescuing a point for Spurs after Anthony Gordon had put Newcastle ahead from the spot.
The penalty was given after Rodrigo Bentancur was judged to have fouled Dan Burn during a corner, with both players grappling as the delivery came in. Referee Thomas Bramall initially waved play on, but overturned his decision after VAR official Paul Tierney advised a review.
Despite the draw, Thomas Frank is not under any immediate pressure at Tottenham, with his side showing strong resolve to fight back.
Former FIFA referee Bobby Madden backed the decision, insisting Newcastle were correctly awarded the spot-kick.
Richarlison endured a difficult outing, leaving Tottenham to rely on an unlikely hero, as Romero first levelled with a diving header before striking again in stoppage time with an acrobatic finish that slipped past Aaron Ramsdale.
Tottenham felt that dramatic late goal should’ve sealed the win, but Madden disagreed, writing on Instagram: “This is football, not rugby. It’s a clear penalty. The defender isn’t playing the ball at all. Once the ball is in play, his obstruction becomes a foul… You can argue consistency, but it’s a penalty.”
Thomas Frank’s reaction
Frank was left baffled, arguing that such incidents happen at almost every corner without punishment. “It was a clear VAR mistake,” he said. “Even people from Newcastle don’t think it’s a penalty. We need consistency.”
As inconsistency continues to plague Premier League refereeing, Spurs fans fear similar situations will be ignored in upcoming matches—an all-too-familiar frustration.
