The fallout from Arsenal’s heated clash with Newcastle United has taken a fresh twist after new footage re-analysed from the game appeared to show a controversial incident that went unnoticed by VAR. The moment in question involves a Newcastle player seemingly grabbing the face of an Arsenal star and pulling it to one side, sparking calls for retrospective action.
The incident, which occurred during a scrappy passage of play, has now been slowed down and circulated widely on social media, with fans arguing that the act was aggressive enough to warrant a red card. Many have been left questioning why the VAR officials at Stockley Park did not intervene when the footage was so clear.
Former referees and analysts have weighed in, with several insisting that the offence falls under the category of violent conduct. “VAR should have picked this up,” one ex-PGMOL official said. “It cannot and should not be ignored, especially when player safety is at risk.” Their stance reflects the growing frustration surrounding inconsistent officiating in the Premier League this season.
Arsenal supporters have also voiced their anger, highlighting that similar incidents in past games have resulted in dismissals. The Gunners, who have already felt aggrieved by several refereeing decisions this campaign, see this as yet another example of the system failing them in high-stakes matches.
On the other hand, Newcastle fans argue that the clash was exaggerated and that the Arsenal player’s reaction influenced the narrative. Some pundits even believe the referee opted for a “let it flow” approach, consistent with the Premier League’s current push for fewer stoppages, though critics stress that violent conduct cannot be excused under such a policy.
This controversy adds to the ongoing debate about the effectiveness of VAR in the Premier League. Despite being introduced to eliminate “clear and obvious errors,” the technology has instead been accused of inconsistency, with some incidents heavily scrutinised while others are seemingly ignored. Managers such as Mikel Arteta have previously voiced frustration at how decisions can swing the momentum of crucial matches.
With the incident now under re-analysis, pressure is mounting on the PGMOL to explain why it was overlooked. Calls for retrospective punishment remain on the table, but whether action will be taken is uncertain. One thing is clear: this latest controversy has once again thrown VAR’s credibility into question and intensified the spotlight on refereeing standards in English football.
