Expert hits back at ex-pro as controversial Callum Wilson footage analysed at Newcastle United
Noel Whelan has insisted Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson was simply “stronger” than Hugo Lloris when he beat the Frenchman to open the scoring against Tottenham on Sunday (23 October).
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, hailed the 30-year-old’s “fantastic” finish during the Magpies’ 2-1 win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
As per footage from the Sky Sports Premier League Twitter account (23 October), Lloris rushed outside his 18-yard box and managed to nick the ball away from Wilson – who was powerless to avoid bringing the shot-stopper down.
The Tottenham captain saw his protestations waved away by referee Jarred Gillett and after a VAR review, the goal was given.
Former Watford and England goalkeeper Ben Foster hit out at the decision on Twitter during the game, insisting the incident is a “foul every single time” and claimed Lloris was “in control of the ball”.
Newcastle moved up to fourth place in the Premier League with their win, while Spurs slipped to their second consecutive defeat.
Whelan suggested the incident would not have been as contentious if two outfield players were involved.
He told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “It definitely should have stood.
“I’m on the strikers’ side, aren’t I? The goalkeeper was rushing well out of his box, coming together for a 50/50.
“If it’s a clash between any other two outfield players in the middle of the pitch, it’s play on.
“It’s just a coming together. Callum Wilson was bearing down on him, and he couldn’t have gone anywhere else.
“In the end, Wilson was just that bit stronger than Lloris. The finish was fantastic, and the overall performance from Newcastle was tremendous.”
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