Iraola fumed at VAR intervention as Bournemouth denied late winner against Newcastle

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola was baffled as to why VAR chose to intervene and disallow Dango Ouattara's injury-time effort against Newcastle this afternoon.

Ouattara thought he had won for the home side after appearing to meet Lewis Cook's right-footed corner on the shoulder and the ball flying into the net.

Referee David Coote awarded a goal but VAR quickly ruled that the ball came out of the striker's arm, which made Newcastle escape with a point in the 1-1 draw.

Bournemouth hearts are broken because of VAR ❌ pic.twitter.com/BcI2RuXMeG

– Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 25, 2024

The Premier League described it as 'authentic handball' despite many televised matches failing to show the ball entering the arm.

Iraola was not impressed, telling the BBC's Match of the Day: “It was very obvious. I think everyone watching the game would agree. I think the shoulder, never touches his skin. We have very short sleeves. They say it's true, show me the facts. I just saw the video and the truth is that he does not touch the arm, the shoulder, a clear goal and three points for us.

“It is something that is not even controversial. It is definitely not something that VAR intervenes. Even though the referee gave him a goal, they didn't give him a chance to see it again. The person in VAR, who is said not to intervene too much, says because he trusts the referee.

“It doesn't matter if I'm complaining now, we're down by two points.”

Marcus Tavernier gave Bournemouth a deserved first-half goal but Newcastle, boosted by the introduction of Harvey Barnes from the bench, pulled level when Anthony Gordon headed home from the far post with 14 minutes remaining.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe admitted it was a “controversial decision” to disallow Ouattara's effort but felt his side deserved a point.

The former Bournemouth manager said: “I thought the game was lost because at first I couldn't see anything wrong with the goal. We've had it both ways. We had it for us and against us and we are very grateful for that time because we fought hard. What we had in that phase of the game was a crucial point. But I understand that it is a controversial decision.

“I think the draw was deserved but Bournemouth may have a different view. They caused us problems with their quick attack and although I think we had more chances to score more than one, I think they can be equally as controversial. For that, I think the painting was worth it.