PGMOL’s Howard Webb Clarifies VAR Decision Allowing Anthony Gordon’s Goal Against Spurs Despite Handball Controversy
Premier League Museum Admin 
VAR NO GOAL
Howard Webb, the head of Premier League refereeing body PGMOL, has shed light on the controversial decision to allow Anthony Gordon’s goal for Newcastle United against Tottenham. Despite the ball hitting Joelinton’s hand in the build-up, match official Andy Madley did not refer to a pitch-side check. The VAR review, led by Chris Kavanagh at Stockley Park, confirmed the goal, leaving Spurs frustrated on Saturday afternoon. Tottenham’s manager, Ange Postecoglou, expressed his dissatisfaction with the decision, hinting at errors made by the refereeing team.
Webb said “Kav (Kavanagh), for me, it hits his hand. But it wasn’t, it was accidental, it was smashed at him. I believe his hand was by his side. On-field decision is goal.”
He further explained the process, revealing the audio between officials at the stadium and Stockley Park.
Madley said “Kav (Kavanagh), confirming the on-field decision of goal. And then the goal is scored fairly quickly afterwards. But Joelinton doesn’t score the goal. The ball goes to Guimaraes, I believe, and then it goes to Gordon, who scores. Of course, we can only penalise handball in certain circumstances.”
Kavanagh responded “We see this situation and the VAR describes it really well. Joelinton’s arm [is] in a really normal position as he’s moving and then when the ball does strike him from quite close range, it’s down by his side. The ball hits the arm and then ricochets off. He doesn’t move the arm in the direction of the ball. The arm is moving naturally. He doesn’t, importantly, make himself unnaturally bigger. His arm is close to his body so that’s not a handball offence. He wouldn’t be penalised with a penalty [against him] if he did that in his own penalty area. So we agree it’s not a handball offence.”
Despite the explanation, Tottenham might feel unlucky due to the way the ricochet played out and the goal was scored.
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