Arsenal want Premier League refereeing ‘urgently addressed’

Arsenal have called on Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the organisation which oversees refereeing in England, to “urgently address the standard of officiating” in the Premier League following “unacceptable” errors during their 1-0 defeat against Newcastle United on Saturday.

In a statement, Arsenal said they “wholeheartedly” support manager Mikel Arteta’s post-match comments in the wake of their loss at Newcastle. Arteta labelled the award of Anthony Gordon’s matchwinning goal “an absolute disgrace” after the VAR checked whether the ball had stayed in play, whether there was a foul by a Newcastle player and also whether there was an offside.

“Arsenal Football Club wholeheartedly supports Mikel Arteta’s post-match comments after yet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors on Saturday evening,” the club said on Sunday.

“We’d also like to acknowledge the huge effort and performance from our players and travelling supporters at St James’ Park.

“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.”

The Athletic has approached PGMOL for comment.

What happened with the goal incident and VAR?

Analysis from Omar Garrick

Gordon tapped in the ball from close range to give Newcastle the lead in the 64th minute at St James’ Park, but a VAR review quickly followed.

At first, it appeared the issue was whether the ball had gone out of play in the build-up. Jacob Murphy’s cross-shot was collected by Joe Willock near the corner flag. He delivered a cross that eventually led to the goal.

VAR Andy Madley then reviewed whether there was a foul on Gabriel by Joelinton as the pair competed in the air to challenge for Willock’s cross, with the rebound falling to Gordon, who scored.

A third incident was also looked at to determine whether Gordon was stood in an offside position. Subsequently, VAR decided that wasn’t the case and awarded the goal.

What else did Arteta say about it?

Arteta said he felt “embarrassed” at the decision to award Newcastle’s goal, calling it “a disgrace”.

“We have to talk about the result because you have to talk about how the hell this goal stands up and it’s incredible,” the Spaniard said.

“I feel embarrassed but I have to be the one now coming here to try to defend the club and please ask for help, because it’s an absolute disgrace that this goal is allowed, an absolute disgrace.

“Again, I feel embarrassed having more than 20 years in this country, and this is nowhere near the level to describe this as the best league in the world. I am sorry.”

Pressed on whether he thought Arsenal would get an apology from PGMOL, the body responsible for referees in English football, he added: “OK, I have to stand here now and explain, we lose three points today. Guys you know what that means? It’s too hard, this league, it’s too hard, it’s too much at stake, it’s embarrassing.”

(Photo: Stu Forster/Getty Images)