Spurs held after VAR awards Newcastle late penalty

Newcastle rescued a injury-time point against Tottenham Hotspur entirely against the run of play from the penalty spot after another controversial handball decision.

Callum Wilson stepped up to score the penalty with practically the last kick – and Spurs boss Jose Mourinho walked down the tunnel in disgust.

Lucas Moura had put Spurs ahead at the back post from a low cross by Harry Kane, the England striker’s fifth assist in two league games.

Spurs would have been out of sight had it not been for Magpies keeper Karl Darlow, who made 11 saves – including two excellent ones to deny Kane.

Son Heung-min, who scored four goals in last weekend’s 5-2 win over Southampton, hit the woodwork twice but was replaced at half-time.

Newcastle were cautious and created very few chances as they failed to have a shot on target until the late, late drama.

“VAR is ruining our game,” said BBC Radio 5 Live pundit Clinton Morrison after seeing the late drama.

And Spurs boss Mourinho clearly agreed as he stormed away following Wilson’s equaliser – although he would not speak about it at full-time.

The decision came after a long wait – with four minutes between the incident and the goal. Dier had his arms in the air while he was jumping with Carroll, with his back to the Newcastle striker, who headed the ball directly against his arm from inches away.

VAR checked whether there was an offside in the build-up and then if it was a handball.

Peter Bankes eventually went over to the monitor and pointed to the spot.

The Premier League admitted at the start of the season there would be more penalties for handball. And they were right.

Dier’s arms were not next to his body and that is why it was a penalty by the new laws, although football fans, managers, players and pundits all agree it has to change.

Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson said on Saturday that it is “killing the game of football”.

Morrison said: “I would take the handball rule away from the VAR officials. I like it that the referee goes to the monitor because the players will respect it more. I don’t blame the referee, I blame VAR. That is the problem.”