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 some controversial penalty calls up for debate.
By the end of Sunday, thousands of viewers were left baffled by some of the Premier League’s laws, so we’ve explained four of the most popular incidents from the weekend’s action.
Why Newcastle’s first goal against Tottenham was allowed
Newcastle’s opening goal in their 2-1 win over Tottenham sparked controversy as replays appeared to show Joelinton handling the ball in the set-up.
As midfielder Lucas Bergvall tried to slide 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 allowed to stand after a VAR review.
#TOTNEW – 7′
The referee’s call was upheld by VAR, who checked for Joelinton’s handball in the build-up and ruled that his hand was by his side in a natural position and the contact was accidental.
— Premier League Match Center (@PLMatchCentre) January 4, 2025
The reasoning lies in the Premier League’s handball rules, which distinguish between accidental and deliberate handball.
For handball to cancel a goal in the build-up, the player must either score directly or immediately set up a goal.
In this case, Joelinton’s handball was considered accidental and occurred earlier in the sequence of play, meaning it did not qualify for interference.
Spurs fans were left disappointed, arguing that the incident disturbed the fairness of the match as without his hand to stop the ball, they would have gone through Newcastle’s pressure and into attack.
Why was Gordon not awarded a penalty?
Later in the same match, Newcastle were denied a penalty when Anthony Gordon went down in the box after being challenged by Dejan Kulusevski.
Replays showed Kulusevski leaning into Gordon with his shoulder, which made contact with the winger’s face, leaving him a bloody mess.
Referee Andy Madley waved play on and VAR did not intervene, leaving Newcastle fans furious. #
The officials ruled that Kulusewski’s contact was accidental and not reckless or excessive, which is required to call a foul 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′ TURNOVER
VAR recommended an on-field review for a possible handball by de Ligt, deeming his arm raised in an unnatural position. After review, the referee overturned his original call with no penalty.
— Premier League Match Center (@PLMatchCentre) January 5, 2025
Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United included a controversial penalty awarded for handball by Matthijs de Ligt.
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 the updated handball laws, which include rulings on unnatural hand positions.
De Ligt’s hand was deemed to be in an unnatural position, making his body unnaturally larger and blocking the ball’s trajectory.
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 United fans, especially as they played so well.
Why Brighton conceded a penalty against Arsenal
#BHAARS – 58′
The referee’s penalty for a foul by Saliba on Joao Pedro was reviewed and upheld by VAR, who ruled that there was sufficient contact for a penalty.
— Premier League Match Center (@PLMatchCentre) January 4, 2025
Brighton’s clash with Arsenal featured another controversial penalty when William Saliba was adjudged to have headed Joao Pedro inside the box.
The incident occurred during a scramble for a loose ball, with Saliba’s forehead making contact with Pedro’s head.
Referee Anthony Taylor awarded the 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 argued that Pedro’s reaction increased the impact, but under current rules, it is considered a foul, particularly as Saliba did not win the ball.
