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Angry fans have noticed Craig Pawson winking at Mikel Arteta at full-time following Arsenal's big win over Manchester United.
The Gunners beat Man United 3-1 in a controversy-filled match at the Emirates on Saturday.
The visitors were denied a penalty in the first half after Cedric Soares clearly handled the ball inside the box - with VAR failing to intervene.
Video review, though, was used to award Arsenal a penalty which they converted thanks to Bukayo Saka.
Rio Ferdinand and Man United fans also thought Granit Xhaka's goal should have been ruled out with Eddie Nketiah supposedly in an offside position.
The decisions didn't go Man United's way, with supporters online then fuming at the match referee's reaction following the final whistle.
He appeared to wink at Arteta as he shook his hand at full-time.
Nothing to see here, just Craig Pawson winking at Mikel Arteta. pic.twitter.com/pliJcMJ4jg
— 𝓛𝓲𝓪𝓶 🐝 (@LJxmes) April 23, 2022
Their exchange didn't go unnoticed on social media.
One tweeted: "Awful decisions all game. Nice wink from Pawson to Arteta at the end too. Laughable."
A second wrote: "Craig Pawson just casually winking at Arteta. We have genuinely been robbed."
A third added: "Craig Pawson, the most corrupt referee in the Premier League. Smile and a wink at Arteta."
Did anyone just see Pawson smiling with Arteta? You know this league is rigged and about Middle Eastern money. #ARSMUN
— Mr. Rooney (@DaPhukIsThat) April 23, 2022
nice little wink and smile from Pawson as he shook hands with Arteta!!
— Kevin (@SpursGnome65) April 23, 2022
Craig pawson just smiled and winked at Arteta, my head is on Jupiter
— 🇮🇹 (@thfcsxn) April 23, 2022
Did Craig Pawson just wink at arteta?
— BentaSZN (@JakesTHFC) April 23, 2022
The win sees Arsenal occupy fourth spot as they move three points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham.
Speaking after beating one of their Champions League chasers, Arteta said: "A big performance in a game that had everything.
"We had moments where we showed real quality, were a threat, where we scored three goals, a game where we had chances, where we had to suffer, a game where at moments we were a bit lost and lacking energy and they were on top.
"A game where we had luck when we needed luck, which is really important in this game. But overall extremely happy, this was a massive game for us, and I can enjoy it now!"
Featured Image Credit: Premier League/BT Sport
Topics: Mikel Arteta, Manchester United, Arsenal, Football