Mohammed Kudus completed a first-half comeback by firing West Ham United into a late 2-1 lead against Newcastle United in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off in the Premier League. However, a miffed young ball boy ruined his trademark celebration by refusing Kudus’ request for him to surrender his stool.

Newcastle raced to a dream start in a crucial clash in the race for European qualification after Vladimir Coufal felled Anthony Gordon for a penalty in the opening few minutes at St James’ Park.

Alexander Isak made no mistakes converting from the spot before Jamaal Lascelles was forced off after 17 minutes to add to the hosts’ injury woes and spark a collapse.

Michael Antonio profited from a delightful Lucas Paqueta pass to fire West Ham level in the 21st minute, setting up a gripping remainder of the half.

And Kudus ensured the Hammers entered half-time the happiest by controversially striking past Martin Dubravka at the end of 10 minutes of stoppage time.

The goal stemmed from a West Ham free-kick after Schar had fouled Kudus. However, Newcastle were fuming after the Ghanaian forward caught Schar with a slight hand to the face during the collision.

Referee Robert Jones didn’t adjudge it as a head injury and allowed Lucas Paqueta to play a quick free-kick to Jarrod Bowen, who set up Kudus for the finish.

PGMOL guidance states that play can’t continue if a head injury occurs. VAR cannot intervene in such an incident as the one at St James’ Park.

At half-time, Joe Cole dismissed Eddie Howe and Jason Tindall’s cries, praising Jones for his positioning and quick decision-making.

“It was all happening. I mean, it was a foul by Schar on Kudus, and Paqueta switches on here,” Cole said on TNT Sports.

“It’s a lovely ball, so clever. [Bowen] is in there, cuts back… For me, I’d be disappointed with the defence from Newcastle’s perspective.