Postecoglou reacts to controversial handball decision as Spurs lose to Newcastle

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·4 January 2025

Postecoglou reacts to controversial handball decision as Spurs lose to Newcastle

Ange Postecoglou says he doesn’t “feel hard done by” following a possible handball in the buildup to Newcastle United’s first goal against Spurs on Saturday.

Tottenham Hotspur took an early lead at home through a diving header from Dominic Solanke, but Anthony Gordon equalised just moments later.

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The Magpies went ahead before the end of the half when Alexander Isak found the net for the seventh successive game in the Premier League, scoring nine goals over that period.

Gordon’s goal was a controversial one as Newcastle won possession when Lucas Bergvall kicked the ball off Joelinton’s arm before the England international stuck the ball away. The goal stood following a VAR review as the infraction was deemed accidental.

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Postecoglou reacts to Newcastle handball decision vs Spurs

“I’m hugely proud of my players,” Postecoglou told TNT Sports. “We were outstanding considering the situation we are in. We deserved to win that game.

“I don’t feel hard done by – that’s the way they do things. The last thing I want is an explanation [from the match officials].

“At half-time, full-time, I’m hugely proud of my players.”

The Australian named a weakened lineup as Spurs came into the match with ten players sidelined through injury or suspension.

“We are are disappointed because all things being equal we’d have won,” he said. “You can only do things that you can control, and there were things there today that were out of or control that took the game away from us.”

Spurs have now winless in their last four Premier League games, losing three of those, and sit 12th in the table.

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