Arsenal have released a statement supporting manager Mikel Arteta’s criticism of VAR officials after the club’s 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United on Sunday.
Arteta slammed VAR officials for allowing Anthony Gordon’s second-half goal to stand, despite the ball appearing to have crossed the line and Joelinton appearing to foul Gabriel Magalhaes in the build-up.
“Embarrassing what happened – how this goal stands, in the Premier League – this league we say is the best in the world.
“I’ve been 20 years in this country and now I feel ashamed. It’s a disgrace and there’s too much at stake here,” he said after the game on Saturday.
In the statement, Arsenal said they “wholeheartedly support Mikel Arteta’s post-match comments after yet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors on Saturday evening.”
The club also called on the Professional Game Match Officials Limited, the organization responsible for refereeing in England, to “urgently address the standard of officiating and focus on action which moves us all on from retrospective analysis, attempted explanations and apologies.“
The PGMOL has yet to respond to Arsenal’s statement. However, the club is not alone in criticizing the organization.
Many other clubs and managers have spoken out about VAR in recent months, calling for improvements to its implementation.
