Thomas Frank has complained about Newcastle United’s opening goal in Tottenham Hotspur’s defeat in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, but his arguments hold little weight.
Newcastle United stormed on in their defence of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, cruising to a 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur and setting up a quarter-final against Fulham at St. James’ Park.
Eddie Howe’s side were by far the better team, as they pressed aggressively and played some lovely passing football.
They deservedly took the lead through Fabian Schar’s opening header before Nick Woltemade scored one of his own just after the break.
However, the opening goal was not without controversy as Tottenham’s players were furious with referee Chris Kavanagh for allowing Sandro Tonali’s corner to be taken.
Full-back Djed Spence had just finished tying his shoelaces and was taking his position to defend the corner when Tonali swung it in.
Spurs boss Thomas Frank believes the goal should not have stood.
Thomas Frank complains about Fabian Schar goal against Tottenham
Richarlison was booked for dissent during his remonstrations with the referee after the goal and Frank continued the argument in his post-match press conference.
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The manager said: “I think we conceded two goals where it was two mistakes.
“I think the first was a mistake from Chris, the ref, because he didn’t allow Djed time to come back in, which he clearly should have done, and on top of that, he’s supposed to mark Schar, who scored, so I think that was the first mistake.
“It’s very, very rare I comment on any decision, but this, we need to comment because it’s common sense.
“It’s not the 88th minute, he’s not doing anything inappropriate, he’s doing his laces, clearly it’s gone off the boot.”
Mark Clattenburg says Tottenham can’t complain about Newcastle’s goal
However, Frank’s complaints have fallen on deaf ears with Mark Clattenburg.
Speaking exclusively to Geordie Boot Boys, former referee Clattenburg made it clear that Frank does not have a leg to stand on when complaining about the goal.
Clattenburg said: “Tottenham and Djed Spence cannot have any complaints about the former trying to delay the corner by tying his laces on his boots.
“The referee does not have to delay the game for this, and therefore, the resulting goal is acceptable.”
When Howe was asked about the incident after the game by Sky Sports, he claimed not to have seen it.
Even if the goal had been disallowed, it’s hard to see the result being any different.
Though the impressive Aaron Ramsdale was forced into a couple of smart, low stops late on, Newcastle were the team in the ascendency in the first half and a goal was destined to come, even if Schar’s was chalked off.