Former Referee Slams VAR After Arsenal Denied Penalty at Newcastle
Controversy erupted at St James’ Park on Sunday as Arsenal were denied a first-half penalty against Newcastle, with former Premier League referee Keith Hackett branding the decision “truly shocking.”
The flashpoint came in the opening 45 minutes, when Viktor Gyökeres latched onto a poor back pass from Jacob Murphy. The Swedish striker knocked the ball beyond Magpies goalkeeper Nick Pope before being brought down, prompting referee Jarred Gillett to point to the spot.
However, after a lengthy VAR review, Gillett was instructed to check the pitchside monitor. Replays showed Pope making slight contact with the ball before colliding with Gyökeres, leading the referee to overturn his original decision and restart play with a drop ball.
The reversal left Arsenal players furious and manager Mikel Arteta visibly incensed on the touchline.
“A straightforward penalty” – Hackett
Former referee Hackett was astonished by the U-turn:
“I am genuinely shocked that referee Gillett did not award a penalty kick following the VAR intervention. This is a straightforward decision; the goalkeeper has fouled the attacker.”
Hackett also questioned why Gillett has already been involved in four Arsenal matches this season in various officiating roles, calling it “excessive.”
Pundits also left baffled
Sky Sports pundits Les Ferdinand and Jamie Redknapp echoed Hackett’s concerns. Redknapp insisted Arsenal were “very unfortunate,” saying:
“Gyökeres reads the play, evades Pope, and he certainly takes him down. I understand both perspectives, but I was taken aback that it was overturned.”
The Premier League later defended the decision, issuing a statement:
“Following a VAR review, the referee reversed the initial penalty decision. After review, the Newcastle goalkeeper played the ball, and there is no foul. The final decision is a drop ball.”
Despite the clarification, the incident has sparked fresh debate over VAR’s consistency, with many feeling Arsenal were harshly treated in a pivotal moment of the match.
