Manager Jamie Redknapp has slammed Newcastle’s decision to award a late penalty in their controversial 2-2 draw with Tottenham.
Spurs captain Cristian Romero’s double gave Thomas Frank an extra point under pressure, but the decision was taken to penalize Rodrigo Bentancur for a scuffle with Dan Byrne that sparked late in the game.
The two were competing in the corner and Byrne could be seen tumbling onto the Spurs midfielder without making a complaint. Play was stopped by on-field official Thomas Bramall, but VAR recommended a pitchside review.
The decision was overturned and Anthony Gordon put the hosts back in front from the penalty spot with four minutes remaining.
“Look at Dan Byrne, he’s not even complaining,” Redknapp said.
“He stands up and gestures, but he never stands up and says to the referee, ‘What are you doing?’ in an aggressive manner.”
“Is he holding him? Is he getting in his way? Yes, probably. We’re seeing it every week this week.
“Where’s the consistency? We’re watching this game in the Premier League game after game and they don’t give anything away.
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Highlights of the Premier League match between Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur.
“If that was the standard and penalties were given for that, then there would be no problem. But we want consistency and that is not the case.
“They’re obviously fighting, but it’s a problem for both of them. Dan is leaning forward trying to be clever.
“I don’t think it’s a penalty because I’ve seen worse things that weren’t given.”
Richards: “I don’t know.”
The holding offense rules state that there must be a “sustained and/impactful holding of the opponent” or “a clear impact on the opponent’s opportunity to play the ball.”
Players are also assessed on whether they see the ball, which is sometimes a staple of how Tom’s Frank’s side defend set-pieces to prevent opponents from conceding goals.
However, Sky Sports’ Micah Richards opined that Bentacur’s defense did not meet the criteria for a penalty.
“He meets the criteria in terms of not seeing the ball and when we talked to the Premier League they were going to take that into account,” Richards said.
“There’s not enough retention there. Dan Byrne is too strong for him.
“Bentancur held him down for a while, careful not to attack him, and then Byrne took possession of Bentancur.
“I don’t understand it. The referee made a very good decision not to make a decision. It will go to VAR and there will be doubts in his mind and he will have to make a decision.
“He’s holding, but it’s not a sustained hold. That’s not enough. It shouldn’t be a penalty.”
“Very disappointing” – manager’s words
Thomas Frank believes his first on-field decision was the right one
Tottenham manager Thomas Frank:
“It was a complete mistake by VAR.
“For me it’s never a penalty, 10 times a game.
“I’ve talked to some of the guys at Newcastle and they think it’s not a penalty and we need consistency.
“I think the referee’s decision on the pitch was spot on. VAR is only possible when it’s clear and obvious.”
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe:
“I looked at it again. The defender didn’t see the ball, he was just focused on Dan, and Dan went down. So I can see why it was given to him.”
