Arsenal suffered their first Premier League loss of the season yesterday, with a 1-0 loss away to Newcastle, following a highly controversial goal that was was labeled a 'disgrace' by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
Anthony Gordon's 64th minute finish came after the ball had appeared to cross the end line in the build-up, while there was also a potential foul on Arsenal's Gabriel, and an offside.
However, after a long look, VAR deemed that the footage was too inconclusive for any of the decisions to go Arsenal's way, and the referee's on field decision remained.
Mikel Arteta Calls Out Officials After Arsenal Loss
After the game Arteta lashed out at the quality of the officiating:
It's a disgrace. It's embarrassing. That's how I feel and that's how everybody feels in that [dressing] room. You cannot imagine the amount of messages we've got saying this cannot continue. It's embarrassing. I'm sorry, embarrassing.
I feel sick. That's how I feel. I feel sick to be part of this. It is not good enough and we cannot accept that.
READ HERE: Mikel Arteta Seethes With Angst After VAR Implosion Seals Newcastle Defeat
Following Arteta's comments, Arsenal released a statement, 'wholeheartedly' backing their manager:
Arsenal Football Club wholeheartedly supports Mikel Arteta’s post-match comments after yet 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. 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.
"I feel sick. That's how I feel. I feel sick to be part of this."
An ANGRY Mikel Arteta shares his thoughts on the controversial Newcastle goal that meant Arsenal suffered their first Premier League defeat of the season. 😳 pic.twitter.com/fYT5lyo6eF
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 4, 2023
“What is Arteta and Arsenal ACTUALLY unhappy about with that goal…”
👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 https://t.co/2SbW4OGjxK
— NUFC Index (@NUFC_Index) November 5, 2023
However, Arteta was called out on social media, with fans of other clubs accusing him of hypocrisy, in reference to his take after Luis Diaz' disallowed goal for Liverpool against Spurs in December.
Despite the clear and admitted error from VAR in that case, Arteta was sympathetic to the officials, saying that "they are trying to make the best decisions. We need to understand that mistakes happen."
Michael Owen and Jamie Carragher also criticised Arteta, with Carragher siding with the officials, and stating that they had no choice but to stick with the on-field decision, given that the evidence was inconclusive.
When you’re finally touched by VAR, you change forever… Arteta Edition #arteta #NEWARS #VAR #rant pic.twitter.com/AzxIHMSrnt
— Couch Nish (@CouchNish) November 5, 2023
Difficult for this statement to hold any integrity after Arteta insisted mistakes were part of the game in the wake of the Diaz ‘goal’. PL Managers had a golden opportunity to demand better officiating across the board but sadly many opted for a show of tribalism instead. Farce. https://t.co/STutvi0xcW
— Keifer MacDonald (@KeiferMacD) November 5, 2023
The @NUFC v @Arsenal game yesterday was a brilliant watch. Two top teams going at it. The only (in his words) ‘embarrassing’ and ‘disgraceful’ thing about it was Arteta’s behaviour. A common occurrence that damages the game more than any incorrect decision. For his club to now…
— Michael Owen (@themichaelowen) November 5, 2023
Arteta on Liverpool's wrongly disallowed goal:
🗣️ "They are trying to make the best decisions. We need to understand that mistakes happen."
Arteta on Newcastle's goal against Arsenal:
🗣️ "It is an absolute disgrace that this goal is allowed. I feel sick to be part of this." pic.twitter.com/NGB45xHHNC
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) November 5, 2023
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