Arsenal release strongly-worded statement supporting Mikel Arteta's post match comments

Arsenal have jumped to criticise "yet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors" following their controversial defeat to Newcastle.

The Gunners fell to a first Premier League defeat of the season at St James' Park on Saturday, after Anthony Gordon's game-winning goal in the 64th minute was given.

VAR checked three separate incidents, including the ball potentially going out of play in the build-up, a foul on Gabriel and a potential offside call in the melee that led to Gordon's goal.

It was eventually deemed there was no clear angle to show whether or not the ball went out before Willock's cross – and the goal was given.

Newcastle went on to secure all three points but the biggest talking was Gordon's controversial winner. Should it have been ruled out? Mikel Arteta certainly thinks so.

The decisive moment! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/ZfegJn4h46

— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) November 4, 2023

Speaking to Sky Sports after the full-time whistle, Arteta was seething. "How the hell does this goal stand? It's absolutely incredible," the Spaniard said.

"I feel embarrassed. It's an absolute disgrace that this goal is allowed. An absolute disgrace. It is not a goal, for many reasons, for more than one at least.

"It's embarrassing what happened - how this goal stands, in the Premier League - this league we say is the best in the world.

"I've been 20 years in this country 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.

"When we're not good enough I hold my hands up and take responsibility. The outcome is nowhere near the level this league needs to have and the way this league is getting competed in. It's not good enough. I feel sick to be part of this."

A day after the incident and Arsenal have backed Arteta's comments in a strongly-worded statement on the club's official website.

It 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."

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