Southampton manager Ivan Juric believes Newcastle United were fortunate to be awarded a penalty in his side’s 3-1 defeat.
The Saints broke the deadlock in the 10th minute when Jan Bednarek headed home James Bree’s cross before Alexander Isak drew Newcastle level from the penalty spot.
Isak was brought down by Joe Aribo in the box and his appeals were initially waved away by referee Sam Barrott. However, VAR intervened and instructed Barrott to review the incident at the pitchside monitor before pointing to the spot.
Ivan Juric, Manager of Southampton, reacts during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Newcastle United FC at St Mary’s Stadium on January 25, 2025 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)Ivan Juric, Manager of Southampton, reacts during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Newcastle United FC at St Mary’s Stadium on January 25, 2025 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Ivan Juric, Manager of Southampton, reacts during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Newcastle United FC at St Mary’s Stadium on January 25, 2025 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Premier League Match Centre, which explains VAR decisions, explained on X: “The referee’s call of no penalty to Newcastle for a challenge by Aribo on Isak was checked by VAR, who deemed there was sufficient contact for a penalty and recommended an on-field review. The referee overturned the original decision and awarded a penalty.”
But Juric didn’t agree with the decision.
“It’s not easy to play against Newcastle, but it wasn’t enough,” said the Croatian. “The penalty was a crucial moment. For me, it wasn’t a penalty.
“We scored a goal and we moved the ball well and this moment I think changed the game a little bit. I saw it after the game and for me, it wasn’t a penalty.”
Newcastle gave themselves breathing space when Sandro Tonali made it 3-1 in the 52nd minute.
But the Saints’ anger with VAR wasn’t done there. Mateus Fernandes raced through on goal to make it 3-2, however the goal was disallowed by VAR for offside.
The victory was the Magpies’ 10th in 11 games while the Saints remain rock bottom of the Premier League with only six points.
