NEWCASTLE BOSS EDDIE HOWE FUMING DESPITE 2–2 DRAW, CALLS TOTTENHAM A “SHAMELESS CLUB” AND EXPLAINS WHY HE GHOSTED THOMAS FRANK HANDSHAKE

Newcastle United’s 2–2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur at St. James’ Park produced drama on the pitch and even bigger fireworks off it as Eddie Howe launched into a furious post match outburst that has already dominated headlines across the Premier League. The Newcastle boss, normally calm and measured in his demeanour, was visibly livid after watching his side twice squander their advantage, eventually storming through his media duties and later taking aim at Spurs with a blistering rebuke that left journalists stunned.

The match itself delivered the emotional turbulence that would eventually boil over. Bruno Guimarães’ well placed strike in the 71st minute had set St. James’ Park alight, a goal the home crowd felt could be decisive in a heated and physical contest. But Tottenham refused to fold, and Cristian Romero, who wore the captain’s armband on the day, powered home an equaliser just seven minutes later to silence the home end.

Drama escalated in the closing moments when a late Newcastle penalty, calmly dispatched by Anthony Gordon in the 86th minute, seemed to have restored control for the hosts. Supporters roared, believing the three points had been secured. But Tottenham, relentless to the last whistle, found a dramatic equaliser deep into stoppage time, with Romero again snatching a goal at 90+5. The late concession sent a fierce wave of frustration through the Newcastle bench, frustration that would fully erupt in the aftermath.

Howe’s refusal to shake hands with Spurs manager Thomas Frank at full time immediately sparked controversy. Cameras caught the Newcastle boss walking straight past Frank, who extended his hand only to be completely ignored. That moment quickly spread across social media, but Howe showed no regret while explaining the snub during his heated interview.

Speaking to reporters, Howe blasted what he described as Tottenham’s shameless behaviour throughout the match, accusing the players of time wasting, crowd baiting, and trying to manipulate officials. His anger seemed to stem particularly from the chaotic final minutes, where he believed Spurs had been allowed to disrupt Newcastle’s rhythm.

“I’ve never seen anything like it,” Howe said, voice tense with irritation. “A shameless club today. Absolutely shameless. From the moment they scored their first goal, everything was gamesmanship, time wasting, rolling around, you name it. If that’s how they want to carry themselves, that’s on them, but I’m not going to pretend it didn’t cross a line.”

Asked about ignoring Thomas Frank’s handshake, Howe doubled down.

“I don’t shake hands for the sake of a photo,” he snapped. “If someone’s team behaves that way for 90 minutes, if there’s no respect shown on the pitch, then I don’t feel the need to go through the motions afterwards. I’ll always behave professionally, but today I wasn’t interested in pretending we were all fine with what happened out there.”

The tension seemed to extend far beyond a single moment. According to insiders near the Newcastle dugout, Howe had been simmering ever since Romero’s second equaliser, a goal that came after a prolonged period of stoppage time the Newcastle manager felt was manufactured due to Tottenham’s earlier delays. Frank, on the other hand, was reportedly baffled by Howe’s reaction, later telling club channels that he was surprised but not bothered.

Tottenham’s players celebrated their point as if it were a victory, with Romero visibly pumped up in front of the away supporters after delivering both goals.

That scene appeared to irk the Newcastle bench even further, though there is no suggestion Romero directed anything toward Howe personally.

Despite the anger and tension, the match offered positives for Newcastle, who showed creativity and control for large stretches of the game. But the late collapse means they drop crucial points in the battle for European places, while Tottenham leave Tyneside feeling emboldened and resilient, even if the manner of their draw ignited the fury of the opposing manager.

As for Howe’s explosive comments, they are sure to invite scrutiny from the FA, particularly the branding of a fellow Premier League club as shameless. Whether disciplinary action follows remains to be seen, but one thing is certain. This fiery encounter has added a new layer of rivalry between Newcastle and Spurs, and the handshake snub between Howe and Frank will undoubtedly be revisited when the sides meet again.