Newcastle boss Steve Bruce admits 'the big decisions went against us' in defeat against Aston Villa as he bemoans yet another controversial VAR call to award the hosts a penalty while denying his own side a spot kick
- Villa were awarded a penalty when Tyrone Mings' shot hit Jamaal Lascelles' hand
- A Newcastle penalty initially awarded for a foul on Callum Wilson was changed
- Wilson was marginally offside in the build-up, leading Bruce to question the call
Steve Bruce bemoaned VAR for a second successive weekend as Newcastle's losing start continued at his former club Aston Villa.
The hosts were already leading thanks to Danny Ings' stunning opener when they were awarded a penalty on the hour following a VAR review.
Tyrone Mings shot on goal only for his effort to strike the hand of Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles.
Newcastle boss Steve Bruce bemoaned VAR decisions again after a loss against Aston Villa
Referee David Coote did not spot the infringement but was advised to take a look on his pitchside monitor, after he which he pointed to the spot, from which Anwar El-Ghazi converted.
And Bruce was incensed still further when Coote awarded the Magpies a penalty following goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez's wild challenge on Callum Wilson.
Again, though, VAR intervened to rule Wilson marginally offside.
'The big decisions went against us,' said Bruce. 'The offside decision, I didn't think we were looking at lines and armpits anymore? He is offside by a toe.
A penalty was given when a Tyrone Mings (centre right) shot hit the arm of Jamaal Lascelles
A spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Callum Wilson - but then overturned for a tight offside
'For the penalty, Jamaal's foot is above his head. If you do that you need to put your arm out. No one in the ground knew it was a handball.
'I'm disappointed with VAR. A few decisions against us in the past two weeks have proved costly. I'm frustrated.'
Bruce, though, was not downbeat about his team's performance.
'There was very little in it,' he said. 'I really have been encouraged by what I've seen. We lost on key decisions, and a long throw-in (for Ings goal), which is disappointing.'
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