Dango Ouattara had a stoppage-time goal controversially disallowed in a dramatic ending, forcing Bournemouth to settle for a draw against Newcastle.
The substitute believed he had clinched the victory with a 93rd-minute goal, but it was ruled out for handball, with the ball judged to have struck his upper arm rather than his shoulder before finding the net.
Earlier in the match, Marcus Tavernier had given Bournemouth a well-earned lead in the first half, converting a cross from Antoine Semenyo.
Bournemouth’s club record signing Evanilson, who was making his debut, should have made the points safe in the second half but failed to get a touch to Semenyo’s dangerous cross.
Newcastle had been flat for large periods of the match but they improved in the closing stages and, after Neto kept out Joelinton’s header, Gordon got the equaliser when he prodded in Harvey Barnes’ cross at the far post.
It set up a tense finish as both sides chased a winner, Semenyo going closest with a deflected strike before Dan Burn’s header was superbly pushed away by Neto.
With seconds left, it was Bournemouth fans who were celebrating but they were soon cut short when Ouattara’s effort was ruled out, leaving the Cherries looking for their first win of the season.
Late VAR drama frustrates Bournemouth
A draw was likely the fair outcome, with Bournemouth dominating the first half and Newcastle coming to life in the second.
However, it was still a harsh result for the Cherries, as Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola was furious with the decision to disallow Ouattara’s header.
Initially, David Coote had awarded the goal, but the video assistant referee intervened, ruling that Ouattara had handled the ball as he headed it in.
The drama didn’t end there, as Joelinton appeared to grab Neto by the neck as the Bournemouth goalkeeper attempted a quick release, but the Newcastle player only received a yellow card.
Despite the late setback, there were some positives for Bournemouth. Semenyo was a constant threat, adding an assist to his goal from their opening draw against Nottingham Forest.
Evanilson, who is expected to fill the gap left by Dominic Solanke, showed glimpses of promise by getting into good positions, even though his finishing was somewhat rusty.
Yet, these positives might be little comfort to Bournemouth fans after the dramatic conclusion to the game.
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