Head coach of Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, has slammed the decision to allow Newcastle United’s controversial winning goal against his side to stand, ruining the club’s unbeaten run.
Arteta described the role of the VAR as disgraceful and embarrassing during a furious tirade after Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat against the Magpies on Saturday night.
It was a night to remember for the Gunners as they suffered their first defeat of the season against an in-form Newcastle United.
Anthony Gordon was the hero of the day after his controversial second-half winner ended Arsenal’s dream of an unbeaten season.
Gordon’s winner took some time to be awarded following an incredible triple-check from the VAR as Arsenal believed the ball had initially gone out before a fail on defender Gabriel.
The Gunners also claimed that Newcastle United players were caught offside in the build-up to the goal.
But despite the time it took to check, the VAR waved aside all three appeals and awarded the goal to the Magpies.
After the game, Arteta, was anything but pleased following a tirade during his post-match press conference.
The visibly furious Spaniard described the VAR decision as ‘embarrassing’ and ‘disgraceful’.
According Sky Sports, Arteta said, “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.”
Speaking further, the 41-year-old added that the club would not accept what had happened at St. James’ Park.
“I feel sick,” he added. “That’s how I feel. I feel sick to be part of this. It is not good enough and we cannot accept that.”
With the defeat to Newcastle United, Arsenal’s North London neighbours, Tottenham, are now the only unbeaten team left in the Premier League.
