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Tottenham manager Thomas Frank criticised referee Chris Kavanagh for a key decision in the build-up to Newcastle United’s opening goal, as Spurs were eliminated from the EFL Cup with a 2-0 defeat at St James’ Park.
Goals from Fabian Schar and Nick Woltemade sent the cup holders through to the quarter-finals, but Frank insisted the opener should have been disallowed due to an officiating error.
Schar headed in from a Sandro Tonali corner midway through the first half, while Spurs defender Djed Spence was momentarily off the pitch putting his boot back on. Tottenham protested immediately, claiming they were effectively a player short during the crucial moment.
“Always disappointing to lose, always disappointing to go out of the tournament that we would love to progress in,” Frank told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“Small margins decided the game, it was a very even game with chances and situations in both boxes. The two goals were also small margins where there was two mistakes."
“One [mistake], unfortunately, from [referee] Chris Kavanagh, in terms of things you need to give. Djed Spence had his boot off, he needs time to tie his boot, and he didn’t."
“His marker, Schar, scored. I have spoken to Chris about it, and we will keep that between Chris and I.”
The controversial opener came when Spence lost his boot as Newcastle prepared to take a corner. Tonali initially appeared to wait for the full-back to fix his laces before delivering the cross that Schar headed home. Spurs’ complaints fell on deaf ears, with Kavanagh allowing play to continue.
“It is always disappointing to lose, always disappointing to go out of the tournament that we would love to progress in,” Frank reiterated.
Newcastle will now host Fulham in the quarter-finals, with other ties pitting Arsenal against Crystal Palace, Cardiff City against Chelsea, and Manchester City facing Brentford.
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