Premier League make two huge referee decisions after Newcastle vs Arsenal controversy

The Premier League have made two big decisions after a number of controversial referee calls in Arsenal's dramatic win over Newcastle United. Late goals from Mikel Merino and Gabriel Magalhaes sealed the comeback after Nick Woltemade's opener in the 34th minute.

Some big decisions were made before that, though, with Arsenal denied a penalty despite referee Jarred Gillett pointing to the spot. Viktor Gyokeres had attempted to poke the ball past the onrushing Nick Pope but appeared to be taken out by the Newcastle goalkeeper.

Officials at Stockley Park recommended an on-field review with the decision reversed after Gillett took several minutes watching replays from different angles.

"#NEWARS – 14’ VAR OVERTURN After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of penalty to Arsenal, the Premier League Match Centre wrote on X. "Referee announcement: "After review, the Newcastle goalkeeper plays the ball and there is no foul. The final decision is drop ball.""

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta had a very different view on the incident, however. "I watched it live and then I watched it on the screen and for me it was a penalty," he admitted in a press conference.

"We were instructed very clearly again this season that unless it's a clear and obvious error, the referee is not going to intervene. It's not. So that's my opinion. We find a way to win the game. The team is still emotionally very, very, very calm and very composed. And that's a lesson that we took as well, probably from a few years ago."

With only a few minutes remaining, Arsenal benefited from a 50/50 decision when a penalty was not awarded despite the ball striking Gabriel's arm, which was quite far away from his body.

Explaining why VAR Darren England did not recommend changing the decision, the Premier League Match Centre wrote: "#NEWARS – 85’ The referee's call of no penalty was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the ball deemed to have deflected off Gabriel's shin and onto his arm."

After being at the centre of some controversial decisions, the Premier League are seemingly sticking by England and Gillett with both officials set for key roles in this weekend's action. As stated on their official website, the latter will be leading VAR duties for Leeds United's clash against Tottenham on Saturday lunchtime.

He will then have the whistle for Wolves' clash at home to Brighton the following day. England will not be involved in a Premier League fixture until the Sunday when he takes charge of Manchester City's trip to Brentford.

For the Gunners' fixture against West Ham United, it has been announced that John Brooks will be the referee with Simon Bennett and Mat Wilkes as his assistants and Chris Kavanagh as fourth official.

Michael Oliver, who was at the centre of numerous Arsenal controversies last season which including sending off Myles Lewis-Skelly at Wolves, will be on VAR and be supported by Steve Meredith.

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