VAR was at the center of things in the Premier League last weekend, with Arsenal involved in the controversy. The Video Assistant Referee technology has been in the headlines more times than the league itself this season, with controversial calls, club statements, and apologies from the PGMOL chief, Howard Webb, just a few of the subjects.
Arsenal suffered a 1-0 loss to Newcastle as their title challenge suffered a great hit, but it wasn’t the loss that pissed Arteta off; it was the circumstances surrounding it. After a furious rant about VAR officials, Arsenal have now released an official statement in support of their manager.
Arsenal release official club statement
Arsenal’s unbeaten start to the new Premier League season came to an end on Saturday as the Gunners controversially lost 1-0 to Newcastle at St. James’ Park. VAR was involved yet again, and the officials in charge of the technology made a huge mistake by giving a goal when the ball was clearly played from outside the line.
Newcastle maintained their lead, and Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, expressed his anger after the game. He criticized the officials in an angry outburst, and the Gunners have issued an official statement in support of their manager for his public criticism.
“Arsenal Football Club wholeheartedly supports Mikel Arteta’s post-match comments after yet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors on Saturday evening,” the club said in a statement on Sunday.
“We’d also like to acknowledge the huge effort and performance from our players and traveling supporters at St. James’ Park. The Premier League is the best league in the world, with the best players, coaches, and supporters, all of whom deserve better. PGMOL urgently needs to address the standard of officiating and focus on action, which moves us all on from retrospective analysis, attempted explanations, and apologies.
“We support the ongoing efforts of Chief Refereeing Officer Howard Webb and would welcome working together to achieve world-class officiating standards our league demands, the statement concluded.
Just a few weeks ago, the VAR dominated the headlines in Liverpool’s heated game against Tottenham. The PGMOL later sent an apology to Liverpool, which Liverpool admitted in a club statement.
Newcastle vs Arsenal VAR controversy explained
Arsenal traveled to St. James’ Park, knowing it was going to be a difficult match. Both teams were well-pitched in the league table, as Arsenal looked to preserve their unbeaten run in the league.
Newcastle had an opening in the game when Jacob Murphy’s cross appeared to have gone out of play. However, the ball was recovered by Arsenal’s old boy Joe Willock, who played a cross into the box. Joelinton also appeared to have shoved Gabriel in the back, but the ball fell to Anthony Gordon, who then fired home from close range.
After a long VAR check, the ball was adjudged not to have crossed the line, and the goal was given. This caused an uproar from Arsenal players and Arteta in his post-match interview.
“It’s a disgrace,” the Arsenal boss told Sky Sports after the game. “It’s embarrassing. That’s how I feel, and that’s how everybody feels in that room. You cannot imagine the amount of messages we’ve got saying this cannot continue. It’s embarrassing. I’m sorry, embarrassing,” he added.
This was the North London club’s second loss in the space of a few days, as they also suffered a 3-1 loss at the hands of West Ham United in the Carabao Cup.
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