A former Premier League referee was left ‘simply astounded’ by the decision not to give Arsenal a penalty against Newcastle on Sunday when Viktor Gyokeres was felled by Nick Pope.
In the first half of the clash at St James’ Park, with the score goalless, the Swedish striker pounced on a poor back pass from Jacob Murphy.
Gyokeres poked the ball past Pope and was brought down, with referee Jarred Gillett pointing to the penalty spot.
However, he was advised to have another look on the pitchside monitor as Pope had got a slight touch on the ball before the contact with his opponent.
As a result, the penalty decision was overturned, much to the chagrin of the Arsenal players and their manager Mikel Arteta.
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Former top flight referee Keith Hackett was stunned that the referee’s call was changed despite Pope touching the ball, saying it was an ‘easy decision’ for the officials.
‘I am simply astounded that referee Gillett hasn’t awarded a penalty kick after the intervention of VAR,’ Hackett told Football Insider. ‘This is an easy decision, the goalkeeper has fouled the forward.
‘This is Gillet’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.’
A Premier League statement on the decision read: ‘After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of penalty to Arsenal.
‘Referee announcement: “After review, the Newcastle goalkeeper plays the ball and there is no foul. The final decision is drop ball”.’
Former Liverpool and Tottenham midfielder Jamie Redknapp thought it was a penalty and Arsenal could consider themselves unlucky it was not given.
‘He (Pope) gets a touch but I’m not sure it was enough to negate the foul. I’m amazed that got overturned, I have to be honest,’ Redknapp told Sky Sports.
‘Gyokeres anticipates it, gets away from him and he definitely clears him out.
‘I can see both sides of it but I was surprised it got overturned.’
The decision ultimately did not cost Arsenal as they dramatically won the match 2-1 at the death.
Summer signing Nick Woltemade headed Newcastle into the lead on 34 minutes, with Arsenal frustrated the referee did not give a foul on Gabriel, but in truth the German striker barely touched the Brazilian and the Gunners defender went down quite pathetically.
Arsenal eventually got level on 84 minutes as substitute Mikel Merino deftly headed an in-swinging cross from Declan Rice, accurately finding the corner of Pope’s goal, who had made a number of impressive saves.
It was yet another header that proved decisive as Gabriel rose to nod in a Martin Odegaard corner deep into stoppage time, breaking Newcastle hearts and sending Arsenal second in the Premier League table.
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