A frustrated Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola argued that the video assistant referee went against Premier League guidelines after his team’s late winning goal was disallowed for a disputed handball call in a 1-1 draw against Newcastle on Sunday.
It seemed that Dango Ouattara had scored a crucial goal in injury time, but replays showed the ball had touched his shoulder and upper arm. The goal was ruled out for handball after a VAR review.
The VAR made the decision without asking referee David Coote to check the video replay, despite the “sleeve rule” which usually means handballs are not given when the ball hits the upper arm.
“It was so obvious. I think everyone who watches the game would agree,” Iraola told the BBC. “I have just seen the video and the fact is it doesn’t touch the arm, it is the shoulder, a clear goal and three points for us.
… It goes against the concept they are telling us. It is not even controversial, I think everyone will agree. I do not know what else to say.”
Iraola, who is usually calm, said he was “very frustrated,” and his players felt the same way.
“We have just got back in the changing room and everyone is pretty angry that the second goal didn’t count,” Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo told Sky Sports. “We have seen the replay and it has come off his shoulder so I feel like the referee has made the wrong decision.”
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe also said he was surprised the goal was disallowed.
“I thought the game was lost because I initially hadn’t seen anything wrong with the goal,” Howe said. “But I understand that it is a contentious decision.”
