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A former Premier League referee has noted three major errors during Newcastle’s 1-0 win over Arsenal.
On Saturday Mikel Arteta described the decision to award Newcastle's winning goal against the Gunners as "disgraceful" and "embarrassing", while Arsenal released a statement the following day supporting their manager’s complaints.
Anthony Gordon's tap-in survived a triple VAR check with Arsenal arguing the ball had gone out of play in the build-up and Gabriel was then pushed in the back.
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VAR also checked for an apparent offside, but the decision was not overturned as it was not possible to determine the moment of contact when the ball was passed to Gordon.
And on Newcastle's goal former Premier League referee Mark Halsey wrote in the Sun: “I can understand Mikel Arteta’s frustrations after Arsenal’s defeat at Newcastle. There were three VAR checks for Anthony Gordon’s winner and I felt there was a clear push by Joelinton on Gabriel.
“Had ref Stuart Attwell disallowed the goal or VAR Andy Madley recommended a review then there would have been few complaints.
“On the other two checks, the TV camera angles shown were inconclusive as to whether Joe Willock kept the ball in play during the build-up. VAR tried to look if Gordon was also offside.
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“But there was no available angle to see the point of contact from Joelinton so the officials were unable to determine when the Magpies midfielder last touched the ball and therefore if Gordon was offside.”
The ex-Premier League official subsequently accused Howard Webb’s management team of not being “up to the task” before noting the two other officiating errors in the game.
Halsey continued: “Kai Havertz and Bruno Guimaraes were both lucky to avoid a red card.
“Havertz dodged a clear sending-off for a poor challenge on Sean Longstaff which ticked all the boxes for serious foul play under Law 12.
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“Guimaraes should also have been dismissed for violent conduct after his forearm smash on the back of Jorginho’s head.
“Ref Attwell didn’t see it but that’s what VAR is for.”
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Featured Image Credit: GettyTopics: Football, Premier League, Arsenal, Newcastle United, Kai Havertz, Mikel Arteta