Les Ferdinand had a foot in both camps for Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup clash with Tottenham and still found some of the Spurs complaints somewhat ridiculous.
On Wednesday night, Newcastle United beat Tottenham 2-0 to progress into the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
Holders Newcastle now have a return to Wembley in their sights following a third victory in little over a week at St James’ Park.
Fabian Schar and Nick Woltemade scored the goals to send Eddie Howe’s side on their way. Howe made a series of changes to his side for the game and still found a way past Premier League opposition.
Aaron Ramsdale made some key saves but, by and large, Newcastle navigated a tricky game well on Wednesday night.
Spurs were unhappy and Ferdinand – who played for both clubs during his illustrious career – can’t understand why.
Les Ferdinand slams Tottenham for complaining about Fabian Schar’s goal
Schar headed Newcastle into the lead from a Sandro Tonali corner in the 24th minute.
Many of the Spurs players, however, were unhappy. Indeed, Djed Spence lost his boot when blocking an Anthony Elanga cross, which ultimately led to the ball going out of play for the subsequent corner.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
Spence then took an age getting his boots back on and getting back into something approaching his position. Some of his Spurs teammates were calling for the corner to be delayed to allow Spence time and Richarlison was among those fuming after Schar’s goal went in.
Still, Ferdinand slammed that reaction. It’s not Newcastle’s job to wait for Spence to sort himself out, after all.
He told ITV Sport: “You can see [Pedro] Porro’s got his hand in the air to try and get the referee’s attention. Go and stand on the ball and walk back from it slowly.
“The referee might come over to you and say, ‘Get away from the ball’. Walk away slowly.
“You can’t do that [what Spence did] and expect the referee to stop and say, ‘No, he’s putting his boot back on.’”
Another former Toon forward in Andy Cole agreed with Ferdinand’s sentiments.
Ruthless Newcastle United make Tottenham pay
Spurs brought that on themselves and, from a Newcastle perspective, it was brilliant to see them punished.
Newcastle’s set-piece struggles were a theme of the early part of the season but that was ruthlessly executed.
Some rather poor defending helped them but take nothing away from Schar’s header, as well as Tonali’s delivery.