Spurs fans fume at VAR as ‘joke’ handball given vs Arsenal in North London Derby
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Tottenham fans have been left fuming after Arsenal were awarded a penalty for handball in the North London Derby.
Ben White's shot was blocked at close range by Cristian Romero, with a VAR check resulting in a spot kick being given by referee Rob Jones. Bukayo Saka stepped up to make it 2-1 early in the second half.
Spurs fans were raging at the decision on social media, with one posting: "Absolute joke of a penalty." A second vented: "It’s not a penalty but it’s a derby so it’s always a penalty. Joke."
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A third argued: "Never a penalty! Absolute joke of a decision. What do players need to do? Cut their arms off?" And a fourth echoed: "These VAR penalty decisions are literally a joke."
But their anger didn't last long – as Heung Son-min scored almost immediately from kick-off after James Maddison had pickpocketed Gunners substitute Jorginho.
A Romero own-goal had given the hosts the lead in the first half at the Emirates as he diverted Saka's shot into his own net. But Son levelled from Maddison's cut back shortly before the break.
Pen on no pen? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.
Sky Sports co-commentator Gary Neville echoed the sentiments of the Spurs supporters regarding the penalty. He said: "Well as a defender, I would like to think that shouldn’t be given against me.
"When VAR looks at it 25 times, it tells me they’re not sure. Because of the desperation of the defender trying to block the ball, he puts his knee on the floor, his arm is raised, try it at home, for me that’s a natural position.
"I think a lot will agree with me, a lot won’t but at the end of the day, if they look at it for so long, how can they be sure? I just think it’s a natural movement to try and stop the shot."
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