EPL: VAR shouldn’t get involved – Arteta speaks on Gyokeres penalty incident vs Newcastle

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has claimed the Video Assistant Referee, VAR, should not have intervened in a penalty incident during their 2-1 win over Newcastle.

The Gunners thought they had won a penalty after Viktor Gyökeres was fouled in the area by Nick Pope.

Although referee Jarred Gillett awarded the spot-kick, VAR advised him to check the pitchside monitor.

Gillett eventually overruled his decision, explaining that Pope had touched the ball.

“Well, I watched it back and watched it live as well. And if it’s not a clear and obvious error, VAR should not intervene,” Arteta said after the game.

“We’ve been told this for a few years, this style of decision again, and for me, it’s very clear that it doesn’t have to intervene because it’s a penalty.”

Mikel Merino and Gabriel Magalhães scored for Arsenal, as they fought back from a goal down to win at St James’ Park.