Arsenal have released a stinging statement in support of Mikel Arteta’s attack on VAR and lambasted Professional Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL) by saying the referees’ body “urgently needs to address the standard of officiating”. The Gunners added that the Premier League, often referred to as the best competition in the game, should uphold “world‑class” refereeing standards.
Arsenal felt aggrieved that Anthony Gordon’s 64th-minute winner for Newcastle on Saturday was not disallowed despite a triple VAR check, which took more than four minutes before the referee, Stuart Attwell, confirmed his decision. The VAR, Andy Madley, reviewed the goal for a possible offside, foul and to determine whether Joe Willock ran the ball out of play in the buildup. Arteta said the “disgraceful” decision to allow the goal made him feel “sick” and “embarrassed”.
