Former referee blasts VAR decision as Arsenal denied penalty at Newcastle…

Former referee criticizes VAR decision as Arsenal is denied a penalty against Newcastle.

A former Premier League referee expressed being ‘truly shocked’ by the choice not to award Arsenal a penalty during their match against Newcastle on Sunday, when Viktor Gyokeres was brought down by Nick Pope.

In the first half of the encounter at St James’ Park, with the score still 0-0, the Swedish forward capitalized on a poor back pass from Jacob Murphy.

Gyokeres managed to nudge the ball past Pope and was subsequently taken down, prompting referee Jarred Gillett to signal for a penalty.

However, he was instructed to review the situation on the pitchside monitor, as Pope had made slight contact with the ball before colliding with the player.

Consequently, the penalty was rescinded, much to the dismay of the Arsenal squad and their manager, Mikel Arteta.

Former top-tier referee Keith Hackett was astonished that the referee’s decision was altered despite Pope’s touch on the ball, stating it was an ‘obvious decision’ for the officials.

‘I am genuinely shocked that referee Gillett did not award a penalty kick following the VAR intervention,’ Hackett told Football Insider. ‘This is a straightforward decision; the goalkeeper has fouled the attacker.

‘This marks Gillett’s fourth match this season involving Arsenal. Regardless of the role—referee, VAR, or fourth official—that is excessive.

‘I struggle to comprehend how a penalty kick was not granted to Arsenal.’

A statement from the Premier League regarding the decision read: ‘Following a VAR review, the referee reversed the initial penalty decision for Arsenal.

‘Referee announcement: “After review, the Newcastle goalkeeper played the ball, and there is no foul. The final decision is a drop ball.”

“I was taken aback that it was overturned!” Les Ferdinand and Jamie Redknapp shared their thoughts on the decision to overturn the Arsenal penalty.

Former Liverpool and Tottenham midfielder Jamie Redknapp believed it was a penalty and felt Arsenal was unfortunate that it was not awarded.

“He [Pope] makes contact, but I’m uncertain if it was sufficient to dismiss the foul. Honestly, I’m astonished that decision was reversed,” Redknapp stated to Sky Sports.

“Gyokeres reads the play, evades him, and he certainly takes him down.

“I understand both perspectives, but I was taken aback that it was overturned.”