Coach Mikel Arteta sharply criticized the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) after Arsenal FC’s first defeat of the season in the English Premier League. “It’s embarrassing, it’s a shame. That’s what it is: a disgrace,” the 41-year-old Spaniard rumbled after Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Newcastle United.
Newcastle, visiting Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League next Tuesday, won with a controversial goal from Anthony Gordon (64th minute). The goal was checked for minutes by the video assistant and finally given. “It’s not acceptable, there’s too much at stake,” raged Arteta. “It makes me sick, that’s how I feel. It makes me sick to be a part of it.”
According to the Arsenal coach, the goal should not have been given for more than one reason. Before Joe Willock’s cross, the ball was clearly out of bounds, and a possible foul by Joelinton and a possible offside position of the goal scorer were also checked. But the hit withstood all three checks.
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When it comes to video referees, the Premier League is far from being able to call itself “the best league in the world,” Arteta said. Arsenal were also lucky with a referee’s decision when German international Kai Havertz did not see a red card after a hard foul in the first half, but only a yellow card. Due to the defeat, the “Gunners” had to let Manchester City overtake them and are now only in third place.
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