Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has slammed the VAR system after his side’s undefeated start to the Premier League season came to an end on Saturday following a 1-0 loss to Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
The only goal of the game, scored by Anthony Gordon, came in controversial circumstances, with VAR spending almost three minutes reviewing it.
There were several questions surrounding whether the goal should stand or not, most notably if the ball had gone out of play during the build-up. Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, an incensed Arteta labeled the VAR performance as disgraceful.
“I have to be here now to say it is not acceptable.
“We didn’t deserve to lose the match. We lost the match because of the clear and obvious decisions. It’s embarrassing. A disgrace. That’s what it is – a disgrace.
BREAKING: Arsenal have released a statement declaring their support for Mikel Arteta’s post-match comments after their 1-0 defeat to Newcastle on Saturday.
Arsenal say there were “unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors” during the match 🔴 pic.twitter.com/j2mggpbXBp
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) November 5, 2023
“You cannot imagine the number of messages I received saying this cannot continue. I am wasting my time. We are wasting our time. I don’t want to be in the hands of such people.
“It’s embarrassing what happened – how this goal stands in the Premier League, a league we claim is the best in the world. I’ve been in this country for 20 years, and now I feel ashamed.
“It’s a disgrace, and there’s too much at stake here. We are trying to do incredible things and be at the highest level each week.
“The outcome is nowhere near the level this league needs to have. It’s not good enough. I feel embarrassed to be part of this.”
The win moves Newcastle up to sixth and leaves Arsenal in third place.
