Former Premier League Referee Discusses Newcastle’s Decisive Goal Against Arsenal

Mark Clattenburg, a former Premier League referee, has expressed his belief that VAR should have disallowed Newcastle United’s winning goal against Arsenal.

VAR officials permitted Anthony Gordon’s second-half goal to stand, bringing an end to the Gunners’ unbeaten start to the Premier League season.

The goal underwent a four-minute VAR review during which the officials concluded that the ball had not crossed the line, Joelinton did not commit a foul on Gabriel Magalhaes, and Gordon was not in an offside position.

Mikel Arteta, in his post-match press conference, criticized the decision, labeling it an “embarrassment” and a “disgrace.”

Clattenburg, writing in his MailOnline column, said:

“The whole goal didn’t feel right and if there was a moment to disallow it then it was this as Joelinton clearly pushed Gabriel.”

He also pointed out Gordon’s goal should not have been ruled out for offside.

“This happens a lot where players block the cameras, meaning the VAR couldn’t draw the lines and conclusively rule out the goal for offside.

“Again, the on-field decision has to stand,” Clattenburg added.