Tottenham captain Cristian Romero has left no doubt about his views following the 2-2 draw with Newcastle. Spurs had to make do with a single point from their clash against the Magpies at St James' Park on Tuesday evening in the Premier League. Bruno Guimaraes put Newcastle ahead in the 71st minute, before Romero levelled matters shortly afterwards for Thomas Frank's men.
Anthony Gordon then restored Newcastle's advantage from the penalty spot in the dying moments, only for Romero to net his second - a spectacular overhead kick in added time - to salvage a point for Tottenham. Spurs were left fuming over the penalty decision awarded to Newcastle, which came following a VAR review at St James' Park.
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Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur was adjudged to have held Newcastle defender Dan Burn during a corner, with the incident initially going unspotted before referee Thomas Bramall was directed by VAR officials at Stockley Park to consult his pitch-side monitor.
The reversal has, unsurprisingly, become one of the key discussion points from the match, with Romero expressing his displeasure after the final whistle. On X - previously Twitter - Romero shared a post from Rio Ferdinand, who slammed the decision to give Newcastle a penalty.
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"Disgraceful decision to reward [Newcastle] penalty," Ferdinand posted. "Whoever is controlling the VAR should be ashamed [and] the ref then reviews and should be also. Well done Newcastle." Romero shared Ferdinand's message before posting his own thoughts to his 318,000 X followers.
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"It's all about working hard, getting better, and pushing forward," wrote Romero on X. "Especially now, when things aren't going our way, we've got to stick together. Thanks for all the support as always fans see you at home on Saturday."
Meanwhile, Frank has explained his belief that Newcastle's penalty claim should not have been awarded - insisting the Tottenham boss felt VAR ought not to have got involved.
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"And also, the second one is very disappointing to concede because for me it's never a penalty," said Frank. "Even speaking to some from Newcastle, who didn't think it's a penalty.
"And we need the consistency. Because that penalty, that would be given two times a game. And I think the referee call on the pitch nailed it. And VAR can only be if it's clear and obvious."
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