Tottenham get VAR verdict as Jamie Carragher and Rio Ferdinand agree on controversy

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Newcastle United were controversially awarded a penalty during their dramatic 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur at St James' Park on Tuesday night

Everything you need to know about Newcastle's controversial penalty against Tottenham

• What happened: In the latter stages of the clash at St. James' Park on Tuesday night, Newcastle United won a corner. Rodrigo Bentancur was marking Dan Burn at the back post, and moments before the cross was delivered into the box, the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder began to grapple with the Magpies defender.

Once the ball had been kicked into play, Burn put his arm ahead of Bentancur as he prepared to thrust himself into the air for a header. While Spurs ace's head was tucked beneath the limb as his opposition ran forwards to meet the pass.

In doing so, Bentancur impeded Burn's ability to play the incoming ball. The Tottenham midfielder wrapped his left hand around the Newcastle defender's back as they fell to the ground in a heap.

• The controversy: Many believe that Bentancur had fouled Burn before the ball was in play, meaning Newcastle should have retaken the corner. Once the ball was in play, the Magpies defender had the Spurs midfielder's head tucked under his arm, which some supporters on social media described as a 'headlock'.

• On-field decision: Thomas Bramall did not award Newcastle a spot-kick.

• The Video Assistant Referee decision: Paul Tierney and Paul Hussin reviewed the call from Stockley Park, and after much deliberation, they sent the on-field referee to the pitchside monitor.

• Final decision: Bramall watched back the incident and overturned his initial decision of no penalty. Announcing the verdict, he said: "After review, Tottenham number 30 makes a holding offence at the back post and clearly does not look at the ball. My final decision is penalty kick."

Pundit opinion

Rio Ferdinand slammed the match official on social media. The Manchester United legend wrote: "Disgraceful decision to reward #NUFC penalty… whoever controlling the VAR should be ashamed + the ref then reviews and should be also. Well done Newcastle."

Jamie Carragher described the decision as 'harsh'. Speaking from the gantry at St. James' Park while on co-commentary duty for Sky Sports, the former Liverpool defender said: "I do feel the penalty award was really harsh.

"I do understand he wasn't looking at the ball, but at the end it was the sheer power of Dan Burn, who is so much bigger and stronger than him... Burn was almost putting him on the floor."

Meanwhile in the studio, Micah Richards said: "Not looking at the ball fits the criteria but there is not enough holding there. Burn is just too strong for him - Bentancur holds him for a while, but now Burn is all over Bentancur.

"The referee made a really good decision in not giving it, then [going to the screen] puts doubt in his mind. Holding but not sustained, it's not enough."

Jamie Redknapp added: "Burn isn't even complaining. We see this week in, week out. If that is the threshold and penalties are going to be given, no problem, but we want consistency."

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Jonathan Woodgate likened the challenge to that of a martial arts bout. The former Tottenham and Newcastle defender said: "Dan Burn climbed all over him. It's like a heavyweight UFC fighter against a featherweight."

• football.london stance: Newcastle should not have been awarded a penalty. Once the ball is played, neither Bentancur nor Burn commit a foul. They're grappling, but that's just part and parcel of set-pieces. Of course, it doesn't look great, but the Newcastle defender is just trying to physically impose himself om the Spurs midfielder.