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‘Angriest I have ever been’: Ange Postecoglou snaps as controversial VAR decision sparks debate

Ange Postecoglou admits he was the angriest he'd ever been in his career after a controversial handball decision saw Tottenham suffer another defeat.

The Australian manager could not hide his rage as he departed the field on Saturday, with Spurs falling 2-1 to visiting rivals Newcastle United.

Postecoglou's nightmare injury ward was increased to 10 before the game had even begun as Fraser Forster was withdrawn due to illness.

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But his sidelined stars were not the only concern for the Aussie, who questioned if his team had played on "a fair and even playing ground."

Dominic Solanke was first to find the net in the match, heading the ball in front after four minutes.

The goal was bound to impress new England boss Thomas Tuchel, who was present in the stands, but Spurs quickly found themselves defending a storming Newcastle attack.

Anthony Gordon equalised two minutes later and left Postecoglou in disbelief as it appeared the ball had touched the hand of Joelinton.

Ange Postecoglou fumes over VAR call Optus

Touchline referees made no indication of the ball coming into contact with Joelinton but VAR later deemed the midfielder's arm to be in a natural position.

The decision sparked ignited a fire on Tottenham's bench as the team were seen appealing the decision.

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'Angriest I have ever been': Ange Postecoglou snaps as controversial VAR decision sparks debate

The official VAR reason for the awarding of Newcastle United's equalising goal. PA Images via Getty Images

Alexander Isak found the match winner in the 45th minute and recorded his 14th goal of the season, but Postecoglou remained focus on the controversial call on Gordon.

"I think it's clear," Postecoglou said.

"Now whether people agree with me or not, whether it wasn't a handball or it was accidental, I'm just not interested in any of that discussion.

"I know what everyone wants me to say, but all I'll say is that on any other day, on a fair and even playing ground, we would have won that game. Simple as that.

"Don't keep asking me about the decision. If you guys have an opinion about it, that's fine. I know what my opinion is and, as I said, if that was a different day… we would have won that game."

'Angriest I have ever been': Ange Postecoglou snaps as controversial VAR decision sparks debate

Tino Livramento and Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United battle for possession with Timo Werner of Tottenham Hotspur. Getty

Postecoglou praised the efforts of his injury cursed side with the likes of Archie Gray and Radu Dragusin jumping "off [their] sickbeds" to compete for the team.

Visibly frustrated, the 59-year-old noted the alleged lack of fairness in the match nine times in a short interview with the BBC and again in the press conference.

"I think it's clear," Postecoglou said.

"I'm just really, really angry. Angriest I think I have ever been in my career.

"On the balance of play, any balance you want with all things being equal, we would have won today. Outstanding. I couldn't be prouder of the players. I couldn't ask any more. It's a game we would have won if all things were equal.

"If all things were equal and balanced we would have won today. Things weren't equal and balanced."

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe later admitted that while he was elated to witness his team win their fifth straight game, the goal for Gordon should have been disallowed.

"I can't sit here and lie and say I haven't seen it because I have," he admitted.

"It definitely hit Joelinton's arm, I can give you that as well, but I am not in control of the referee's decision.

"I believe his arm is down in a natural position and the referee and VAR have followed the rules and protocols that are in place. That's why it is given.

"I have to just concentrate on us and Newcastle. I am just really proud of the effort the players put in and the games we've won."

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