Charalampos Kostoulas scored a brilliant stoppage-time overhead kick to earn Brighton a 1-1 draw with Bournemouth after a disputed penalty.
CHARALAMPOS Kostoulas scored a stunning stoppage-time equaliser to salvage a 1-1 draw for Brighton against Bournemouth on Monday.
The Greek teenager’s brilliant overhead kick cancelled out Marcus Tavernier’s first-half penalty, which was awarded after a controversial VAR review.
Bournemouth had taken the lead in the 32nd minute of the south-coast derby at the Amex Stadium.
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Referee Paul Tierney initially booked Bournemouth’s Amine Adli for diving following a challenge from Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
VAR official Jarred Gillett advised Tierney to review the incident on the pitch-side monitor.
Tierney subsequently rescinded the yellow card and awarded a penalty for contact from Verbruggen’s leg on Adli’s thigh.
Tavernier calmly converted the spot-kick, sparking furious chants of “you’re not fit to referee” from the home supporters.
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler expressed his frustration with the decision after the match.
“It’s difficult to speak to the referees,” Hurzeler said.
“A touch and a contact is not enough, and that is what the referees said to us before the start of the season.”
Bournemouth appeared set to secure their first away win in 10 matches across all competitions.
Brighton pushed for a leveller, with Lewis Dunk heading wide and Yankuba Minteh forcing a save from Djordje Petrovic.
The equaliser arrived in the first minute of added time through a moment of individual brilliance.
Jan Paul van Hecke’s knockdown found Kostoulas inside the area.
The 19-year-old striker controlled the ball on his chest before executing a perfect bicycle kick into the top corner from 10 yards.
It was only his second goal since joining from Olympiakos in July.
The dramatic goal extended Bournemouth’s concerning record of conceding late.
They have now let in 12 goals in the final 15 minutes of Premier League matches this season, more than any other team.
The draw kept Brighton three points ahead of Bournemouth in the mid-table standings.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola lamented his side’s misfortune at the end of a hard-fought contest.
“At the end, we are in that moment in the season when everything is against us,” Iraola said.
“They scored an incredible goal, an overhead kick, top corner, and you finish with a point.”
The match also marked a milestone for Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma, who made his 100th Premier League appearance. – AFP
