GARY O’Neil says he was “surprised” to see Jefferson Lerma penalised for handball, insisting: “If I was looking at the VAR images, there’s no way I would’ve given a penalty at that moment.” Asked if he was frustrated by the call against the Magpies,
Gary O’Neil said: “I don’t know if I’m frustrated. I understand it’s difficult. That is the perfect situation for VAR, because there is no way the ref could see that live. So I understand it going to VAR, I’m just really surprised at the conclusion they have come to. Jefferson Lerma has gone to put his body in the way of the ball, his arm swings, as it does when you’re moving. He’s not looking at it. So I was just surprised. If I was looking at the VAR images, there’s no way I would’ve given a penalty at that moment. That’s not a criticism at all, it’s just my opinion, I thought it was harsh.”
