Gary Neville and Ian Wright disagree on Arsenal statement verdict after VAR controversy

Arsenal icon Ian Wright has disagreed with Gary Neville regarding Arsenal's statement aimed at the PGMOL following the VAR controversy during the Gunners' 1-0 defeat against Newcastle. Mikel Arteta labelled the decision to let Anthony Gordon's goal stand as a 'disgrace' following three separate VAR checks.

Speaking on Stick to Football, Neville discussed the statement from Arsenal with Wright, asking the former Gunners star whether he was proud of the club for publicly backing Arteta. Wright said: «Yeah, I'm pleased that Jurgen Klopp did too because of the gravity of the mistake.

»I still feel Mikel was well within his rights. I'm happy with them [Arsenal] backing their manager because we're seeing mistakes on a scale now that, something has to be said.

«Why shouldn't the club back him if what Mikel said was fine? Everybody is complicit with aspects of the way that referees are, they have their own shows, they're on co-commentary, they're in it and they're a part of the entertainment now for the clicks!»

Neville responded: «My point is that, this is Arsenal Football Club. An institution, one of the founding Premier League clubs — they're partly responsible for the rules that are in place — you can't just turn on your own, publicly.

»It's the Premier League referees! The managers can [critique referees], the coaches can, the players can, the fans can, the pundits can, but can the clubs come out — like Arsenal and Liverpool — and question sporting integrity, mention replays and looking at their options? To me that is really dangerous."

Every word angry Mikel Arteta said on Newcastle, VAR 'disgrace' and Premier League title stakes

Why Anthony Gordon goal for Newcastle vs Arsenal was given despite three VAR checks

Wright fired