Arsenal get new referee verdict on controversial VAR decision vs Newcastle

Keith Hackett believes Arsenal should have been awarded a penalty during their 2-1 win over Newcastle United. Jarred Gillett pointed to the spot inside the opening quarter of an hour at St. James' Park on Sunday afternoon after Nick Pope appeared to have fouled Viktor Gyokeres.

The Gunners striker latched onto a sloppy pass from Jacob Murphy and, as he looked to take the ball around the on-rushing goalkeeper, he was brought down in the box.

The on-field referee initially signalled for a spot-kick, but the decision was overturned by Darren England, the Video Assistant Referee, and his assistant, Steven Meredith, at Stockley Park.

Pope was adjudged to have 'played the ball', and play resumed with a drop ball. Speaking to Football Insider, the former Professional Game Match Officials Limited chief questioned the decision.

"I am simply astounded that Referee Gillett hasn’t awarded a penalty kick after the intervention of VAR," said Hackett. "This is an easy decision; the goalkeeper has fouled the forward.

"This is Gillett’s fourth match this season involving Arsenal. No matter what capacity, Referee, VAR or 4th official, that is too much. I find it difficult to understand how a penalty kick has not been awarded to Arsenal."

Gary Neville was unsure whether Arsenal should have been awarded a penalty. Speaking on Sky Sports from the gantry, the Manchester United legend said: "Pope came out and committed.

"Gyokeres was very close to the goalkeeper and nicked it past him. It looked like a clear penalty. It's knee on knee."

After watching a replay of the incident, Neville added: "Gyokeres touches the ball, then there's a touch [from Pope] and he brings him down after that. I'm a little torn, to be honest.

"I mean Gyokeres kicks it against Pope's feet. Pope has still blocked Gyokeres. Pope is the most relieved man in the stadium."

Speaking to reporters after the game, Mikel Arteta offered his verdict on the controversy. The Arsenal boss said: "I watched it live and then I watched it on the screen and for me it was a penalty.

"We were instructed very clearly again this season that unless it's a clear and obvious error the VAR is not going to intervene. It's not, so that's my opinion.

"Thank God we found a way to win the game. The team is still emotionally very calm and very composed and that's a lesson that we took as well probably from a few years ago."

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