Arsenal issue remarkable statement after Mikel Arteta hits out at 'disgraceful' refereeing in Newcastle loss

The club have backed the manager's remarks and called for refereeing standards to be "urgently addressed"
Alex Young @alexwsyoung5 November 2023

Arsenal have double-downed on manager Mikel Arteta's comments after Saturday's loss to Newcastle.

Anthony Gordon scored the only goal to end Arsenal's 10-game unbeaten start to the Premier League season.

The goal was thoroughly checked and improved by VAR after a triple assessment which took four minutes and six seconds to complete, with the ball possibly going out of play, Gabriel possibly being fouled in the build-up and then Gordon possibly offside when putting the ball in the back of the net.

Mikel Arteta was furious after the game, telling reporters that the decision was "an absolute disgrace" and now the Gunners have issued a further statement on "yet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors" and calling for refereeing standards to be "urgently addressed".

A club statement read: "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."

The PGMOL has been under increasing pressure this season after several VAR decisions stirred debates, the most high-profile being the "human error" which led to a legitimate Liverpool goal against Tottenham being chalked off.

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