Mike Dean delivers verdict on Joelinton’s handball for controversial Newcastle United goal against Tottenham

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Newcastle United’s Premier League clash with Tottenham started at a searing pace.

Indeed, the two sides have never previously drawn 0-0 in 59 Premier League meetings and Saturday’s encounter will prove no different.

Spurs actually took the lead in the opening few minutes, with Dominic Solanke getting the best of the returning Sven Botman to nod home Pedro Porro’s cross.

It was the first time Eddie Howe has seen his defensive line breached since conceding a late goal in the 3-1 win over Brentford in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals last month.

As you can see below, the Newcastle defence had been watertight up until that point.

Still, Howe’s side found their way back into it.

Only minutes after, Anthony Gordon responded to level the scores in a goal likely to be draped in controversy.

Joelinton intercepted Lucas Bergvall’s pass and Bruno Guimaraes pounced on the loose ball to play in Gordon.

Still, Spurs fans may not be happy the goal was allowed to stand as Bergvall’s pass certainly hit the onrushing Joelinton’s hand.

The goal, however, was allowed to stand and former Premier League referee Mike Dean delivered his verdict when speaking on Sky Sports.

Alexander Isak then scored towards the end of the first-half to send the Toon into the break with an advantage.

• READ MORE: Who is Joelinton? Age, Height, Chant, Position, Socials and More

Mike Dean reacts to Joelinton’s handball in Newcastle United’s goal against Tottenham

Asked about the handball, Dean said (at 12:41pm GMT on 04/01/2025): “It is a goal, it is accidental, it does hit his hand, but it does not lead directly to a goal, so no problems.”

Premier League release official statement after Anthony Gordon’s goal for Newcastle United against Tottenham

The handball rule is of course divisive and differs between competitions. Newcastle fans, after all, will remember the outrage when Tino Livramento was adjudged to have handled against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last season.

However, the Premier League’s Match Centre took to social media platform X to confirm why the goal was allowed to stand despite Joelinton’s handball.

They are of the belief that Joelinton’s hand was in fact in a natural position, with the contact only accidental.