Arsenal confirm support of Mikel Arteta's VAR criticism in Newcastle loss

Arsenal have issued a statement confirming their support of comments made by manager MIkel Arteta after the 1-0 defeat to Newcastle on Saturday night.

Anthony Gordon’s goal was allowed to stand after VAR checks on the ball staying in the field of play, a foul on Gabriel Magalhaes and offside. The Magpies held on as the Gunners fell to their first league defeat of the season.

Arteta was forthright in his response to the controversy, labelling it “a disgrace”, “embarrassing” and “not acceptable”.

“Arsenal Football Club wholeheartedly supports Mikel Arteta’s post-match comments after yet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors on Saturday evening,” Arsenal’s statement reads.

“We’d also like to acknowledge the huge effort and performance from our players and travelling supporters at St James’ Park.

“The Premier League is the best league in the world with the best players, coaches and supporters, all of whom deserve better. PGMOL urgently needs to address the standard of officiating and focus on action which moves us all on from retrospective analysis, attempted explanations and apologies.

“We support the ongoing efforts of Chief Refereeing Officer, Howard Webb and would welcome working together to achieve the world-class officiating standards our league demands.”

Arsenal couldn’t find an equaliser / Ian MacNicol/GettyImages

Arsenal’s first league defeat of the season means they are now three points behind current leaders Manchester City, though Tottenham could go two points clear at the top if they beat Chelsea on Monday night.

Goalkeeper David Raya, who couldn’t clear the cross in the immediate build-up to Gordon’s strike, also admitted his frustration with the officials not penalising Joelinton for “a big foul” on Gabriel.

The loss was Arsenal’s second in a row after midweek defeat at West Ham in the Carabao Cup. They have the chance to get back to winning ways in the Champions League on Wednesday when they host Sevilla at the Emirates.