By Ryan Walker for Mailonline
00:01 13 Sep 2023, Updated 00:52 13 Sep 2023
- Son Heung-min was denied a clear penalty against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday
- The Tottenham captain was fouled in a friendly at St James’ Park
- Son can’t believe he wasn’t awarded a penalty by Andy Madley
Tottenham captain Son Heung-min was left fuming after being denied a blatant penalty in South Korea’s friendly against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday evening.
Son did not play competitively during the international break, but featured in two friendlies for South Korea against Wales and Saudi Arabia.
Tuesday’s meeting saw Son in England as he traveled with his national team mates to Newcastle’s St James’ Park for a friendly match.
South Korea eventually ran out 1-0 winners as Cho Kyu-chung’s first-half strike proved the difference, but Son was upset to be denied a penalty.
The Spurs talisman was about to fire a shot at goal before being cleared by an opposition defender inside the box.
Centre-back Hassan Altambakti stuck a leg out during a clumsy slide tackle.
The 31-year-old was clearly cleared and expected the referee to point to the penalty spot before realizing there was no end in sight.
Premier League referee Andy Madley oversaw the match but the South Korean played much to Son’s disbelief as a certain penalty was ruled out.
A near-empty St James’ Park offered little opposition to the decision during the first half as the South Korea players cut stunned figures.
Because of Newcastle’s ties with the Middle Eastern nation, Saudi Arabia hosted the encounter at this iconic North Eastern ground.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is a controlling owner of Newcastle and has seen the club increasingly leave the country.
Only around 6,000 supporters attended Tuesday’s friendly.