On Tuesday, in the first leg of their League Cup semifinal matchup, Newcastle United defeated Southampton 1-0 thanks to a second-half goal from Brazilian midfielder Joelinton. The hosts were furious that VAR had prevented them from scoring an equalizer. Joelinton and Newcastle thought they had scored in the first half, but referee Stuart Attwell ruled that he handled the ball before scoring. Before Joelinton converted Alexander Isak’s low cross in the 73rd minute and scored the goal that proved to be the winner, the visitors continued to miss chances in the second half.
Adam Armstrong, the Southampton striker, was also found to have used his hand, this time after a video assistant referee (VAR) review, despite Southampton’s initial belief that they had quickly leveled the score. Duje Caleta-Car was sent off late on for two bookable offenses, ending Saints’ evening on a sour note. This put Newcastle in a prime position to reach the final as they try to win their first domestic trophy since 1955. Continue reading Newcastle United Win Marginally With Help from VAR