Was this the most complex VAR check EVER? Newcastle’s winner against Arsenal was pored over for FOUR minutes
Newcastle’s 1-0 win over Arsenal involved one of the most complex VAR checks in Premier League history as referees took four minutes and six seconds to decide whether Anthony Gordon’s goal should be allowed to stand are.
The Magpies claimed a brilliant win over the Gunners at St James’ Park thanks to a 64th-minute goal.
With barely anything separating the sides in a spirited encounter, Gordon tapped the ball home just a yard from the goal line after Joe Willock’s cross.
The former Everton man was the right person in the right place as the ball fell to his feet after Joelinton battled for the ball with Gabriel in the air.
However, the match officials took almost four minutes to decide whether it was indeed a goal and three separate incidents had to be investigated.
Players and fans had to wait four minutes while a decision on the goal was made
VAR first checked whether the ball went out of play when Willock tried to save the ball.
It was then checked whether Joelinton had committed a foul on Gabriel, as it appeared the Brazilian pushed his compatriot in the back.
After ruling this was not a foul, VAR tried to check for offside as Gordon looked out for Joelinton.
However, it was confirmed that there was no closing angle where Joelinton made contact with the ball, meaning they did not know if Gordon was offside.
Football fans were quick to criticize the time taken by VAR.
One fan said: ‘I’ve seen more calls for straightening arms on contact. This is a clear foul and doesn’t even take into account how he jumps on Gabriel’s back. Horrible use of VAR.’
