Arsenal release statement BACKING Mikel Arteta over ‘unacceptable refereeing’ after he blasted Newcastle’s controversial winner a ‘disgrace’ – as club urges PGMOL to look into officiating

•  Controversial Anthony Gordon goal was allowed to stand in 1-0 loss
•  Big debates on Man United, Chelsea and Arsenal on It’s All Kicking Off podcast

Arsenal have released a statement supporting manager Mikel Arteta after he slammed the refereeing standards in England following his side’s 1-0 defeat to Newcastle on Saturday.

The statement says the club is backing their manager after ‘yet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors’.

It continues by suggesting that fans, players and managers ‘deserve better’ from the PGMOL.

Arteta was left fuming after the final whistle at St James’ Park as Anthony Gordon’s match-deciding goal was allowed to stand, while Bruno Guimaraes avoided punishment for a supposed elbow on Jorginho.

Gordon’s decisive strike went through three separate VAR checks before being allowed to stand, with referee Stuart Attwell and VAR official Andy Madley deeming that Joe WIllock had kept the ball in play, Joelinton had not fouled Gabriel and that the goalscorer was onside. 

Arsenal have released a statement in support of Mikel Arteta following his comments on English refereeing after yesterday’s defeat to Newcastle

Arteta claimed the decision to award the goal made him ‘feel sick’ in his post match interviews

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Arteta said: ‘How the hell did this goal stand up? It’s incredible. I feel embarrassed. It’s an absolute disgrace that this was allowed. For many reasons it’s not a goal.

‘It’s so difficult to compete at this level. This is nowhere near the [refereeing] level to describe this as the best league in the world. I feel sick to be part of this.’

Arteta added in his post-match interview with Sky Sports: ‘The question is it’s not a goal, it’s simple. For a goal there are certainly things that are not allowed in football.

‘I have to stand here and explain, we lost three points. There’s too much at stake. It’s embarrassing.

‘It’s incredible how the players competed against this team, it makes me sick. I feel sick to be part of this.’

In a statement on Sunday, Arsenal said: ”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.’

Officials had to assess three separate incidents before the decision to award Gordon’s goal 

Arsenal were unable to overturn the 1-0 deficit as they suffered their first Premier League defeat of the season and lost ground in the title race.

Arteta’s comments have added to the growing scrutiny around VAR this season.

The most controversial VAR decision of the season came when Luis Diaz’s had a goal incorrectly disallowed during Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat by Tottenham in September.

Wolves manager Gary O’Neil has been vocal in his criticism of VAR in recent weeks.

O’Neil slammed ‘another terrible decision’ against his side following Wolves’ 2-1 loss against Sheffield United on Saturday.

The defeat capped a difficult week for Arsenal, who were beaten 3-1 in the Carabao Cup by West Ham in midweek.

Arteta had bemoaned the absence of VAR in that match, claiming West Ham’s opening goal should have been ruled out for a foul on Aaron Ramsdale.

‘If there’s VAR, there’s no goal for sure,’ Arteta said following the loss to West Ham. ‘I understand for the referees it’s difficult because of the angle and the number of people there.’

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