Joe Willock 'devastated' by Steve Bruce decision at Newcastle United

Willock came off the bench and scored a 95th-minute equaliser for Newcastle United in this afternoon’s 1-1 draw against Liverpool.

The midfielder, signed on loan from Arsenal in January’s transfer window, had also come off the bench and scored in two of the club’s three previous Premier League games.

"Joe Willock was devastated yesterday when I told him he was not playing, but he’s come on in the last three games and scored,” said head coach Bruce. “I’m delighted for him.

"They (Liverpool) are very good up front. They have 300 goals between them. We rode our luck a little time in the first half, but I always felt we were a threat.

"Just at the right time our big players have come back, and that was vitally important. I was quietly confident when we got the big players back, we’d be OK. Without them, we’re not quite the same threat."

Callum Wilson had had a strike ruled out for handball following a VAR check two minutes before Willock’s goal.

Bruce told BT Sport: "We have to do something about VAR, this rule. It ruins the spectacle. It is the rule, the VAR is doing its job, but who makes these rules?

"We’re good enough to stop 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.”

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Newcastle United coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription; sign up here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor