Arsenal have called on Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the body that oversees refereeing in England, to “urgently address the standard of refereeing” in the Premier League following their 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United “unacceptable” mistakes were made on Saturday.
In a statement, Arsenal said they “fully” supported manager Mikel Arteta’s comments after the defeat at Newcastle. Arteta described the award of Anthony Gordon’s decisive goal as “an absolute disgrace” after the VAR checked whether the ball remained in play, whether there was a foul by a Newcastle player and also whether there was an offside position.
“Arsenal Football Club fully supports Mikel Arteta’s post-match comments following more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors on Saturday evening,” the club said on Sunday.
“We would also like to recognize the enormous effort and performance of our players and traveling fans at St. James’ Park.
“The Premier League is the best league in the world with the best players, coaches and fans, all of whom deserve better. PGMOL urgently needs to address the standard of official conduct and focus on measures that will stop us all from retrospective analysis, explanations and apologies.
“We support the ongoing efforts of Chief Refereeing Officer Howard Webb and would look forward to working together to achieve the world-class refereeing standards required by our league.”
The Athletic has contacted PGMOL for comment.
GO DEEPER
Declared: ‘A disgrace’ – Gordon’s controversial winner for Newcastle against Arsenal
What happened with the goal incident and the VAR?
Analysis by Omar Garrick
In the 64th minute at St James’ Park, Gordon shot the ball from close range to give Newcastle the lead, but a VAR review quickly followed.
At first it seemed as if the question was whether the ball had gone out of bounds during the build-up to the game. Jacob Murphy’s cross shot was intercepted by Joe Willock near the corner flag. He delivered a cross that eventually led to the goal.
VAR Andy Madley then checked whether Joelinton had committed a foul on Gabriel as the pair battled in the air for Willock’s cross, with the rebound falling to Gordon, who scored.
A third incident was also investigated to determine whether Gordon was offside. Subsequently, the VAR decided that this was not the case and gave the goal.
What else did Arteta say about it?
Arteta said he felt “embarrassed” by the decision to give away Newcastle’s goal, calling it “a disgrace”.
“We have to talk about the result because you have to talk about how the hell that goal is and it’s unbelievable,” the Spaniard said.
“I’m embarrassed but I have to be the one to come here now to try and defend the club and ask for help because it’s an absolute disgrace that this goal is allowed, an absolute disgrace.”
“Once again, I am embarrassed to have been in this country for more than 20 years and that is not nearly enough to call the league the best league in the world. I’m sorry.”
Asked whether he thought Arsenal would receive an apology from PGMOL, the body responsible for refereeing in English football, he added: “Okay, I have to stand here now and declare that we are losing three points today. “Guys, do you know what that means? It’s too hard, this league, it’s too hard, there’s too much at stake, it’s embarrassing.”
(Photo: Stu Forster/Getty Images)