Why fans booed after Newcastle win vs Arsenal at St. James' Park following VAR controversy
Arsenal tasted defeat for the first time in the Premier League this season after Anthony Gordon's strike was enough to see Newcastle take all three points at St. James' Park. Once again, VAR was thefocus of discussion after Gordon's goal took three separate checks before being awarded.
Before Newcastle took the lead, there were several controversial decisions that VAR also took a look at. The first started with Kai Havertz putting in a reckless challenge on Sean Longstaff.
The German playmaker sparked a huge bust-up between both teams after he caught Longstaff late with a dangerous tackle. VAR deemed that Havertz was reckless, but did not endanger an opponent and so a yellow card was the correct decision — despite many opposition fans calling for a red card.
Bruno Guimaraes was lucky not to be sent off after appearing to elbow Jorginho in the head and kicking the ball at Declan Rice in the first half. The Brazilian midfielder finally received a booking after pushing his hand into Fabio Vieira's face late in the second half, with Gary Neville on commentary for Sky Sports stating Guimaraes was lucky not to be given five bookings, before receiving his first.
Then we get to Gordon's goal. At this point, both sets of fans feel they have had decisions go harshly against them by VAR and the match officials.
VAR took four minutes to check the Newcastle forward's goal. At first, VAR checked whether the ball had gone out of play as Joe Willock collected possession before delivering a cross towards Joelinton.
Why Martin Odegaard has been left out of Arsenal squad to face Newcastle United
Arsenal press conference LIVE — Mikel Arteta on Newcastle defeat, VAR and Odegaard injury
Next, the Brazilian midfielder's involvement was checked for a
Read on football.london
