Ex-Premier League referee issues verdict on controversial Arsenal vs Newcastle moment

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has not sided with Mikel Arteta after Arsenal's narrow win over Newcastle United. The Gunners passed a big test over the weekend, getting back to winning ways after that Manchester City defeat, and returning to the top of the table in the process.

Eberechi Eze scored a stunner in the first half to relax the Emirates Stadium nerves, and while Arsenal did not add another goal, the three points is all they will care about after a rocky run of form.

But while Arsenal did pick up all three points, Arteta still wasn't happy with a refereeing decision that saw Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope pick up a yellow card. Pope came flying out of his area, closer to the sideline than the middle of the pitch, and he was beaten to the ball by Viktor Gyokeres.

Realising he had come up short, Pope went to ground and angled his body to bring down Gyokeres, potentially denying him an effort on goal.

Arteta said after the game: "I have to say as well in my opinion, it is a clear red card. I have watched it 10 times. If you have ever played football, it is a red card. It is the second time in two games because against Manchester City when Havertz goes through and Khusanov's fouling him at 1-1, the title is there. It is a red card.

"So these are the margins as well. Hopefully, that is going to change. Everyone will have their opinion, I am here to give my opinion. I'm somebody who has been in the game for a long time. You talk to any of the players because the trajectory, where the ball is, there is no keeper there. If that had happened the other way around, it is a red card."

What Arteta failed to address was that there was no guarantee that Gyokeres would have reached the ball first after his heavy touch, and not only did it take him very wide of the goal, but Newcastle also had defensive cover behind Pope, so there wasn't exactly a clear shot on goal awaiting Gyokeres on the other side of Pope.

That's something the Premier League Match Centre highlighted when explaining the decision on X, writing: "The referee’s call of yellow card to Pope was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that he did not deny an obvious goal scoring opportunity (DOGSO) due to the close proximity of a Newcastle defender, who had the possibility to claim possession of the ball."

Gallagher defends Arsenal vs Newcastle decision

Former Premier League referee Gallagher sided with the decision on the pitch when examining the incident on Sky Sports' ref watch,

"I thought it was a yellow card. Not moving towards the goal. Not moving towards the goal and it's too far out on the wing," said the former official.

"I think there's a covering player. There are so many different variations of what you do. So, I think it's possible but not obvious. Also, I don't think he would have got the ball because he stops. I think Thiaw will get the ball and not him."

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