Arsenal back Mikel Arteta after 'unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors' in Newcastle defeat in Premier League
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ByEurosport
Updated 05/11/2023 at 15:01 GMT
Arsenal lost 1-0 to Newcastle on Saturday night in the Premier League. Gunners boss Mikel Arteta was left fuming after the decision to allow Anthony Gordon’s winning goal to stand after a lengthy VAR review. Arsenal have now released a statement saying the club “wholeheartedly supports Mikel Arteta’s post-match comments after yet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors on Saturday evening.”
'An absolute disgrace' - Livid Arteta on controversial Newcastle goal as Arsenal beaten
Arsenal have backed Mikel Arteta and hit out at “unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors” in their 1-0 loss to Newcastle in a statement released on Sunday.
Anthony Gordon’s 64th-minute winner was awarded after a four-minute VAR review and during his post-match press duties, Gunners boss Arteta called the situation "a disgrace".
Arsenal have now released a statement on the matter, backing Arteta.
“Arsenal Football Club wholeheartedly supports Mikel Arteta’s post-match comments after yet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors on Saturday evening,” read the statement.
“We’d also like to acknowledge the huge effort and performance from our players and travelling 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 the world-class officiating standards our league demands.”
The defeat was the first of the season for Arsenal and Arteta was incensed the decisive goal was allowed to stand after it was subjected to a hat-trick of VAR checks.
First, officials had to determine whether the ball had gone out of play; second, they had to see if a foul had been committed by Joelinton; and lastly, there was a question mark as to whether Gordon was in an offside position when the ball was played to him.
Finally, the verdict was delivered, and it sparked a furious backlash from the Spaniard at full-time as Arsenal lost ground on Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.
"We did not deserve to lose the match," Arteta told Sky Sports. "We lose the match for the clear and obvious decisions, it is embarrassing.
"It is a disgrace, that is what it is, a disgrace."
It’s the latest incident that has thrust VAR and its application into the spotlight. Last month, Jurgen Klopp requested that Liverpool’s match against Tottenham be replayed after a VAR error wrongly ruled out Luis Diaz’s goal.
Arteta acknowledged that "mistakes happen" in the wake of Liverpool’s complaints but now believes something must be done to address the problem.
"This cannot continue, it is embarrassing," Arteta added. "It is not acceptable, there is too much at stake.
"I have been in this country for more than 20 years, and this is nowhere near the level to describe this as the best league in the world.
"I feel sick to be part of this, sick."
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