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Frank Slams “Clear VAR Error” After Late Penalty Drama as Spurs Hold Newcastle

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank described Newcastle United’s late penalty as an “absolute VAR mistake” after a dramatic 2-2 draw at St James’ Park, a match that reignited the ongoing debate about intervention thresholds in Premier League officiating.

With the score locked at 1-1 heading into the closing minutes, referee Thomas Bramall initially waved play on after what appeared to be routine grappling between Rodrigo Bentancur and Dan Burn during a Newcastle corner. Such duels are commonplace on set pieces and are seldom punished unless the infringement is blatant.

However, VAR Michael Salisbury recommended an on-field review, showing replays of Bentancur with his arms around Burn as both players tumbled. The decision was overturned, with PGMOL later explaining that Bentancur “clearly does not look at the ball” while committing a holding offence. Anthony Gordon converted the 86th-minute spot-kick to give Newcastle what looked like a decisive advantage.

The controversy set the stage for a dramatic finale as Cristian Romero’s acrobatic overhead kick in the 95th minute rescued a point for Spurs. The Argentine defender, who has scored crucial goals in back-to-back seasons, delivered again at a time when Tottenham’s top-four ambitions hang delicately in the balance.

Frank, however, was unequivocal in his post-match assessment. “It was an absolute mistake from VAR,” he said. “The referee’s initial decision was correct. In situations like this, VAR should only intervene when something is clear and obvious. This was never a penalty. Even some Newcastle staff said the same.”

The incident adds to a growing catalogue of VAR controversies this season. According to league data, more than 40 on-field decisions have been overturned by referees following VAR recommendations, the highest total at this stage of a Premier League campaign since the technology was introduced in 2019.

Speaking after the match, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe offered a more measured take. “The defender isn’t looking at the ball at all — he’s focused on Dan,” he said. “From what I’ve seen, it’s probably the right call.”

The PGMOL later published guidelines clarifying what constitutes holding offences inside the penalty area. Among the key criteria: players who solely focus on opponents rather than the ball, or who commit non-footballing actions that materially restrict movement, should be penalised. Mutual holding, however, should not result in a foul.

In the end, Spurs left Tyneside with a point, but the debate over consistency — a recurring theme in this season’s officiating discourse — remains unresolved.

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