This weekend’s Premier League action was rife with drama, with contentious refereeing decisions taking centre stage in several matches.
Many fans were left with sour faces and confusion after seeing goals stand despite their protests and there were a few controversial penalty calls up for debate.
By the end of Sunday, thousands of spectators were left dumbfounded at some of the Premier League’s laws, so we have provided explanations for four of the most high-profile incidents from the weekend’s action.
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Why Newcastle’s first goal vs Tottenham was allowed
Newcastle’s opening goal in their 2-1 win over Tottenham sparked controversy as replays appeared to show Joelinton handling the ball in the build-up.
As midfielder Lucas Bergvall looked to prod the ball past the Brazilian international, the ball struck his hand before falling to Bruno Guimaraes, who played in Anthony Gordon for their equaliser.
The goal was allowed to stand after a VAR review.
#TOTNEW – 7’
The referee’s call of goal was confirmed by VAR, who checked for a potential handball by Joelinton in the build-up and deemed that his arm was by his side, in a natural position and the contact was accidental.
— Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) January 4, 2025
The reasoning lies in the Premier League’s handball rules, which distinguish between accidental and deliberate handball.
For handball to disallow a goal in the build-up, the player must either score directly or immediately set up a goal.
In this instance, Joelinton’s handball was deemed accidental and occurred earlier in the sequence of play, meaning it did not meet the criteria for intervention.
Spurs fans were left frustrated, arguing that the incident disrupted the fairness of the game as without his hand stopping the ball, they would have been past Newcastle’s press and on the attack.
Why Gordon was not awarded a penalty?
Later in the same match, Newcastle were denied a penalty when Anthony Gordon went down in the box after a challenge from Dejan Kulusevski.
Replays showed Kulusevski leaning into Gordon with his shoulder, which made contact with the winger’s face, leaving him in a bloody mess.
Referee Andy Madley waved play on, and VAR did not intervene, leaving Newcastle fans furious. #
The officials judged that Kulusevski’s contact was incidental and not reckless or excessive, which is required for a foul to be given in such situations.
The decision highlighted the subjective nature of such calls, as many argued that Gordon’s momentum was clearly disrupted by the challenge.
Why Liverpool were awarded a penalty against Manchester United
#LIVMUN – 67’ VAR OVERTURN
VAR recommended an on-field review for a possible handball by de Ligt, deeming that his arm was raised in an unnatural position. Upon review, the referee overturned his original call of no penalty.
— Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) January 5, 2025
Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United included a controversial penalty awarded for a handball by Matthijs de Ligt.
As Mohamed Salah attempted a cross, the ball struck De Ligt’s outstretched arm, and referee Michael Oliver pointed to the spot after a quick VAR check.
The decision was based on the updated handball laws, which include rulings on unnatural arm positions.
De Ligt’s arm was deemed to be in an unnatural position, making his body unnaturally larger and blocking the trajectory of the ball.
Critics argued that De Ligt had little time to react, but under the laws of the game, intent is no longer a necessary factor in handball decisions.
Salah converted the penalty, deepening the frustration of United supporters, especially as they played so well.
Why Brighton were awarded a penalty against Arsenal
#BHAARS – 58’
The referee’s call of penalty for a foul by Saliba on João Pedro was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed there was sufficient contact for a penalty.
— Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) January 4, 2025
Brighton’s clash with Arsenal saw another contentious penalty awarded when William Saliba was adjudged to have headbutted Joao Pedro inside the box.
The incident occurred during a tussle for a loose ball, with Saliba’s forehead making contact with Pedro’s head.
Referee Anthony Taylor awarded the penalty and after review, the incident it was confirmed by VAR.
The key factor was Saliba’s motion toward Pedro, which was interpreted as dangerous and reckless, even though the contact appeared minimal.
Critics of the decision argued that Pedro’s reaction exaggerated the impact, but under current rules, it is considered a foul, particularly as Saliba did not win the ball.
