Just in: “VAR this time around are up to something” manager finally reacted that he doesn’t needs VAR again

Arsenal supports Arteta and demands higher refereeing standards.

Arsenal have called for refereeing standards to be improved while rallying behind manager Mikel Arteta, who called the VAR decision not to rule out Anthony Gordon’s match-winning goal at Newcastle a “absolute disgrace.”

On Sunday, the Premier League club issued a statement saying they “wholly support” Arteta’s post-match comments following “yet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors.”

Newcastle won 1-0 on Saturday (Sunday AEDT) thanks to Gordon’s controversial goal, snapping Arsenal’s 10-game unbeaten run in the Premier League.

“Arsenal Football Club wholeheartedly supports Mikel Arteta’s post-match comments after yet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors on Saturday evening,” the club said in a statement.

“The Premier League is the best league in the world with the best players, coaches and supporters, all of whom deserve better.

“PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) 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.”

Arteta failed to hide his anger at St James’ Park after referee Stuart Attwell awarded the Newcastle goal following a triple VAR check to see whether the ball had gone out of play before Joe Willock’s cross, whether Joelinton had fouled Arsenal defender Gabriel and whether Gordon had been offside.

Former Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher said on X: “That Arsenal statement & complaints from their manager about the officials & VAR, on the Newcastle goal, is way over the top!”

Gary Neville, a former Manchester United and England defender, also called Arsenal’s statement “wrong,” claiming that such complaints undermine “the system and the entire refereeing community.”

When contacted, the Premier League declined to comment on Arsenal’s statement.