English football club Arsenal released a statement to back their manager Mikel Arteta over his comments on Video Assistant Referee (VAR) officials after the North London club suffered a nasty 1-0 defeat against Newcastle United on Saturday (November 4).
Anthony Gordon scored the only goal of the match which became the centre of controversy as the goal was checked by VAR three times before being awarded.
The VAR assessments lasted for four minutes as the officials examined whether the ball had crossed the line, if Joelinton had committed a foul against Gabriel, and if Gordon was in an offside position. All three incidents were reviewed and found to be within the parameters after the checks.
Arsenal released a statement backing Arteta and said that the incident was unacceptable.
“Arsenal Football Club wholeheartedly supports Mikel Arteta’s post-match comments after yet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors on Saturday evening,” the Gunners wrote in a statement on their website on Sunday afternoon. "We’d also like to acknowledge the huge effort and performance from our players and travelling supporters at St James’ Park," Arsenal said in an official statement.
“The Premier League is the best league in the world with the best players, coaches and supporters, all of whom deserve better. PGMOL urgently needs to address the standard of officiating and focus on action which moves us all on from retrospective analysis, attempted explanations and apologies.
"We support the ongoing efforts of Chief Refereeing Officer Howard Webb and would welcome working together to achieve the world-class officiating standards our league demands.”
Arteta was furious after the final whistle and lashed out at the officials saying the decision to award the goal was a "disgrace.
"I have to be here now to say it is not acceptable. We didn't deserve to lose the match. We lose the match because of the clear and obvious decisions. It's embarrassing. A disgrace. That's what it is - a disgrace. You cannot imagine the amount of messages I got saying this cannot continue. I am wasting my time. We are wasting our time. I don't want to be in the hands of people," Arteta told Sky Sports.