Arsenal have issued a statement to support Mikel Arteta following outrageous refereeing and VAR blunder that soiled the Premier League game against Newcastle United on Saturday, November 5, 2023.
A press release on the club’s official website joined Mikel Arteta to blast “unacceptable VAR errors” while challenging referees administrative body, PGMOL, to do better as the fans ”deserve better.”
Arsenal’s statement has come under heavy backlash by Premier League pundits like Jamie Carragher who brandished the club’s response as “classless.”
However, the Newcastle Vs Arsenal match passed as yet another Premier League game marred with another explicit refereeing and VAR blunder.
Mikel Arteta was left fuming after the game. The Spaniard poured out his rage on post-match press conference calling Anthony Gordon’s controversial winner “a disgrace” and questioned why referee Stuart Attwell allowed the goal to stand.
“How the hell did this goal stand up? It’s incredible. I feel embarrassed. It’s an absolute disgrace that this was allowed. For many reasons it’s not a goal,” Arteta fumed.
”It’s so difficult to compete at this level. This is nowhere near the [refereeing] level to describe this as the best league in the world. I feel sick to be part of this.”
”The question is it’s not a goal, it’s simple. For a goal there are certainly things that are not allowed in football.
‘I have to stand here and explain, we lost three points. There’s too much at stake. It’s embarrassing.
‘It’s incredible how the players competed against this team, it makes me sick. I feel sick to be part of this,’ he added
Reacting to Mikel Arteta’s post-match response, Arsenal issued an official statement hours later to back their manager and equally called out the PGMOL to do the needful
”Arsenal Football Club wholeheartedly supports Mikel Arteta’s post-match comments after yet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors on Saturday evening.
‘We’d also like to acknowledge the huge effort and performance from our players and travelling supporters at St James’ Park.
”Arsenal Football Club wholeheartedly supports Mikel Arteta’s post-match comments after yet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors on Saturday evening.
”We’d also like to acknowledge the huge effort and performance from our players and travelling supporters at St James’ Park,” Arsenal club statement reads.
A review of Anthony Gordon’s goal in the build-up seems to show the ball crossing the line and going out of play. Also, Gabriel appeared to be fouled by Joelington in the build-up and Gordon was also checked for offside.
VAR affirmed Newcastle United has ticked all the checkboxes and Stuart Attwell allowed the goal to stand.
The controversial goal was enough to salvage all three points for the Magpies while the Gunners stumble to their first defeat of the season.
