Oluwatosin Enesi
It will be recalled that Anthony Gordon scored the only goal of the game at St James’ Park on Saturday evening, with the goal allowed to stand following a lengthy triple VAR check.
Referee Stuart Atwell initially allowed Gordon’s close-range strike to stand before the incident was subject to review. Joe Willock was deemed to have kept the ball in play, while Gordon was not found to be offside after the ball dropped to him in the six-yard box.
The Premier League club stated on Sunday that they “wholeheartedly support” Arteta’s post-match comments after “yet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors”.
Gordon’s controversial goal secured a 1-0 victory for Newcastle and ended Arsenal’s 10-game unbeaten start in the Premier League.
A club statement read: “Arsenal football club wholeheartedly supports Mikel Arteta’s post-match comments after more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors on Saturday evening.
“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.
“Professional Game Match Officials Limited, 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.
”Arteta vented his anger at St James’ Park after referee Stuart Attwell awarded the Newcastle goal following a triple VAR check.
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