BREAKING: Premier League issue VAR update as Arsenal denied penalty vs Newcastle

3 hours ago 3

Arsenal were denied an early penalty in their Premier League clash against Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon after Nick Pope brought Viktor Gyokeres down.

The striker had rushed through on goal after an encouraging start for the Gunners, and after getting to the ball, was clipped by the Newcastle goalkeeper.

Referee Jarred Gillett pointed to the spot after seeing if there was any advantage. However, the video assistant referee advised the referee to review the footage on the on-field screen.

The decision was overturned after several replays, with Gillet announcing to the stadium why the decision was overturned. "After review, the Newcastle goalkeeper plays the ball and there is no foul," the Australian said. "The final decision is drop ball."

His mic was also caught saying to Bukayo Saka, who protested the decision: "Before there is any contact, the goalkeeper gains control of the ball before the contact."

Speaking on Sky Sports, Gary Neville admitted he was unsure whether it should have been a penalty. "Pope came out and committed," he said.

"Gyokeres was very close to the goalkeeper and nicked it past him. It looked like a clear penalty. It's knee on knee." After seeing the subsequent replay, he added: "Gyokeres touches the ball, then there's a touch [from Pope] and he bring him down after that. I'm a little torn, to be honest."

Viktor Gyokeres is clipped by Nick Pope

Viktor Gyokeres was brought down by Nick Pope inside the box

Former goalkeeper Joe Hart, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, defended the decision. "If Pope touches the ball, then it's not a penalty - and he does touch it before he hits Gyokeres," he said.

"If you break it down and see why it's not been given, then you can't argue with the decision."

The Gunners nearly made their encouraging start pay 10 minutes later through Leandro Trossard. After cutting through Newcastle's midfield, Declan Rice laid the ball off for the forward, and his effort smashed off the post.

Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023

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