Bournemouth interim Gary O'Neil rues ANOTHER controversial VAR call

‘NO WAY am I giving a penalty!’: Interim boss Gary O’Neil rues ANOTHER controversial VAR call as his Bournemouth side are denied three crucial points at Newcastle after Jefferson Lerma was adjudged to have handled the ball after a monitor check

  • Bournemouth took the lead at St James’ Park through Philip Billing on hour mark
  • They were pegged back by a controversially awarded Alexander Isak penalty
  • Gary O’Neil felt it was not a penalty and said as much in post match comments

Another VAR controversy proved decisive at St James’ Park on Saturday – but this time it was the opposition manager Gary O’Neil left fuming.

Newcastle felt robbed a fortnight ago when Joe Willock was controversially judged to have given away a foul in the build-up to what would have been their winner against Crystal Palace.

But the technology went in their favour against The Cherries when referee Craig Pawson awarded them a penalty to earn a 1-1 draw after checking a handball by Bournemouth’s Jefferson Lerma on the monitor.

Alexander Isak scored from the spot after Newcastle were controversially awarded a penalty

Craig Pawson awarded them a penalty after checking a handball by Jefferson Lerma on the monitor

Alexander Isak subsequently scored from the spot after 67 minutes but O’Neil wasn’t happy. 

Though the ball clearly struck Lerma, it was debatable if he was too close to get his hand out the way and if his arm was in an unnatural position.

‘I understand it’s difficult for the officials but I thought the penalty award was harsh on us. It was perfect for VAR to check, I am just surprised with the conclusion.

Bournemouth’s interim boss O’Neil was left to rue another controversial VAR decision

‘Jefferson is trying to get his body in the way of the cross (from Kieran Trippier), his arm swings but it is not deliberate. No way am I giving a penalty. If you’ve played the game, that’s not a penalty. I thought it was harsh – not a criticism.’

Even the beneficiary Eddie Howe was circumspect about the incident.

‘I didn’t see it in real time and have only seen a quick replay whether it was a penalty or not. It is never as easy as it seems but that is what VAR is for.’




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