Steve Bruce criticises VAR for ‘ruining the spectacle’ after Newcastle draw at Liverpool

Joe Willock scored a last-gasp equaliser for the Magpies

Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce claimed that VAR is ruining “the spectacle” of the Premier League. 

Callum Wilson saw a late equaliser harshly ruled out for offside before substitute Joe Willock struck to earn Newcastle a point at Anfield after Mohamed Salah’s opener.

Bruce was ultimately furious with the decision to overturn Wilson’s goal.

“We have to do something about VAR, this rule. It ruins the spectacle,” he said. “It is the rule, VAR is doing its job, but who makes these rules? We are good enough to stop the Super League, can we not make our own rules in the Premier League? 

“It was an awful one to go against you. We could have won 2-1.”

The Magpies boss acknowledged that his side were rather lucky as Liverpool failed to take their chances.

He added: “They are very good up front. They have 300 goals between them. We rode our luck a little in the first half but I always felt we were a threat.”

Newcastle’s on-loan goalscorer Joe Willock, who became the first player to score in three consecutive appearances as a substitute since Adam Le Fondre in January 2013, admitted the club’s performances are speaking for themselves. 

“I don’t want to be labelled a super sub, but I’m happy I helped the team to a vital point that keeps us up in this league,” he added.

“Through these last weeks, we’ve been growing in confidence and today shows how far we have come as a team.

“I am learning every week and I am enjoying my football. Things are going for me at the moment and I’m happy I can help the team.”