This weekend’s Premier League action was full of drama, with controversial refereeing decisions taking center stage in several games.
Many fans were left sour-faced and confused after seeing the goals stand despite their protests, and there were several controversial penalties to debate.
By the end of Sunday, thousands of viewers were left baffled by some of the Premier League’s rules, so we’ve brought explanations for four of the loudest incidents from last weekend’s action.
Why Newcastle’s first goal against Tottenham was allowed
Newcastle’s first goal in their 2-1 win over Tottenham sparked controversy as replays emerged showing Joelinton handling the ball in the build-up.
As midfielder Lucas Bergvall looked to push the ball past the Brazil international, the ball hit his hand before falling to Bruno Guimaraes, who played in Anthony Gordon for their equaliser.
The goal was disallowed after a VAR review.
#TOTALLY NEW – 7′
The referee’s call for a goal was upheld by VAR, who checked Joelinton’s potential handball in the build-up and deemed that his hand was at his side, in a natural position, and that the contact was accidental.
— Premier League Match Center (@PLMatchCentre) January 4, 2025
The rationale lies in the Premier League’s handball rules, which differentiate between accidental and deliberate handball.
For a handball to cancel a goal in build-up, the player must either score directly or set up a goal immediately.
In this case, Joelinton’s handball was considered accidental and occurred earlier in the sequence of play, meaning it did not meet the criteria for intervention.
Spurs fans were left frustrated, claiming the incident compromised the integrity of the game as without his hand to stop the ball, they would have got past Newcastle’s press and gone on the attack.
Why was Gordon not awarded a penalty?
Later in the same game, Newcastle were denied a penalty when Anthony Gordon went down in the penalty area following a challenge from Dejan Kulusevski.
Replays showed Kulusevski leaning his shoulder on Gordon, which came into contact with the winger, leaving him in a bloody mess.
Referee Andy Madley signaled for play to continue and VAR did not intervene, leaving Newcastle fans furious. #
The judges judged that Kulusevski’s contact was accidental, and not reckless or excessive, which is necessary for awarding a misdemeanor in such situations.
The decision highlighted the subjective nature of such calls, as many argued that Gordon’s momentum was clearly disrupted by the challenge.
Why Liverpool were awarded a penalty against Manchester United
#LIVMUN – 67′ VAR TURNOVER
VAR recommended an on-field review due to possible handball by de Ligt, considering that his hand was raised in an unnatural position. After a review, the referee overturned the original decision on the absence of a penalty.
— Premier League Match Center (@PLMatchCentre) January 5, 2025
Liverpool’s 2-2 draw against Manchester United included a controversial penalty awarded for Matthijs de Ligt’s handball.
As Mohamed Salah attempted a cross, the ball hit De Ligt’s outstretched arm and referee Michael Oliver pointed to the spot after a quick VAR check.
The decision was based on updated handball laws, which include provisions on unnatural hand positions.
De Ligt’s arm was thought to be in an unnatural position, making his body unnaturally larger and blocking the ball’s path.
Critics argued that De Ligt had little time to react, but under the laws of the game, intent is no longer a necessary factor in handball decisions.
Salah converted the penalty, deepening the frustration of the United fans, especially since they were playing so well.
Why Brighton were awarded a penalty against Arsenal
#BHAARS – 58′
The referee awarded a penalty for a foul by Saliba on João Pedro was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed there was enough contact for a penalty.
— Premier League Match Center (@PLMatchCentre) January 4, 2025
Another controversial penalty was awarded in Brighton’s clash with Arsenal when William Saliba was adjudged to have headbutted Joao Pedro inside the penalty area.
The incident occurred during a scramble for a loose ball, with Saliba’s forehead making contact with Pedro’s head.
Referee Anthony Taylor awarded a penalty, and after a review, the incident was confirmed by VAR.
A key factor was Saliba’s movement towards Pedro, which was interpreted as dangerous and reckless, even though the contact appeared to be minimal.
Critics of the decision claimed Pedro overreacted in the tackle, but under current rules, this is considered a foul, especially as Saliba did not win the ball.
