Arsenal have criticized the PGMOL for “unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors” during their 1-0 defeat to Newcastle.
The game was decided by Anthony Gordon’s 64th-minute strike, but several controversies surrounding the awarding of the goal arose.
The decision prompted a furious response from manager Mikel Arteta in his post-match press conference. “We have to talk about the result because you have to talk about how the hell this goal stand ups and it’s incredible,” he said.
“I feel embarrassed but I have to be the one now coming here to try to defend the club and please ask for help, because it’s an absolute disgrace that this goal is allowed; it’s an absolute disgrace.”
This was not the only controversial decision in the game. Bruno Guimaraes escaped a red card despite appearing to elbow Jorginho off the ball in the first half.
Now speaking in a statement on their website, Arsenal have backed their manager’s comments, and called on the PGMOL to do more to avoid further mistakes.
“Arsenal Football Club wholeheartedly supports Mikel Arteta’s post-match comments after yet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors on Saturday evening,” it read. “We’d also like to acknowledge the huge effort and performance from our players and travelling supporters at St James’ Park.”
Gordon’s VAR Controversy
The decision was based on the appearance that the ball had gone out of play before Joe Willock crossed into the box, and Joelintion seemed to foul Gabriel Magalhaes while knocking it down to Gordon.
VAR may have been offside before tapping the goal home, but there was no conclusive angle for the decision.
Manager Mikel Arteta responded to the decision, stating that it was an absolute disgrace that this goal was allowed.
Bruno Guimaraes also escaped a red card despite appearing to elbow Jorginho off the ball in the first half. Arsenal have backed their manager’s comments and called on the PGMOL to do more to avoid further mistakes.
This is not the first time Arsenal has been at the heart of controversy surrounding VAR, as Christian Norgaard’s goal was allowed to stand in a 1-1 draw with Brentford last season.
