Premier League Issues Statement Why Arsenal’s Penalty Versus Newcastle Was Overturned
- Arsenal had a penalty controversially overturned in the first half of an EPL game vs Newcastle after a VAR review
- Premier League officials confirmed that goalkeeper Nick Pope played the ball first, leading to no foul being given
- Arsenal will miss a chance to close the gap on Liverpool, sparking fresh debate on VAR decisions
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Arsenal was controversially denied a penalty in their clash with Newcastle United on Sunday, sparking heated debates among fans, pundits, and players alike.
Viktor Gyokeres went down in the box after a collision with Magpies goalkeeper Nick Pope, with referee Jarred Gillett initially pointing to the spot.
Source: Getty Images
But moments later, after consulting the pitch-side VAR monitor, the match official overturned his decision, leaving Mikel Arteta furious on the touchline, The Mirror reports.
The flashpoint moment came midway through the first half at St James’ Park.
Gyokeres, who was looking to add to his goal tally, latched onto a through ball before Pope rushed off his line to challenge him.
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The Gunners striker appeared to get to the ball first before going down under contact, referee Gillett immediately awarded a penalty, only to pause for a lengthy VAR review.
Source: Getty Images
After reviewing the incident on the monitor, the centre referee ruled that Pope made contact with the ball first and rescinded the spot-kick, opting for a drop ball restart instead.
Premier League statement after PK overturned
According to Football London, the Premier League match centre released a statement clarifying the decision, writing:
"After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of penalty to Arsenal. Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope plays the ball first, meaning no foul was committed."
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville, on commentary duty, admitted that the decision was not entirely clear-cut:
"Gyokeres was very close to the goalkeeper and nicked it past him. It looked like a clear penalty. Then I saw the replay, Pope does just get something on the ball. I’m torn on this one."
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Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart backed the officials, explaining:
"If Pope touches the ball, it’s not a penalty. The replay shows he gets there just before clashing with Gyokeres. The decision is technically correct."
Arsenal’s title race complications
The decision came at a crucial time for Arsenal, who were looking to close the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool after the Reds’ shock defeat to Crystal Palace on Saturday.
The Gunners went into the game five points behind Liverpool and knew a win would boost their title hopes.
The overturned penalty left Arteta visibly frustrated, with cameras catching him remonstrating with the fourth official on the touchline.
Arsenal fans have since flooded social media, questioning the consistency of VAR decisions in the league.
With the result potentially affecting Arsenal’s position in the title race, every point counts as the season heads into its decisive phase.
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Arteta optimistic about Arsenal’s title chances
In another development, Legit.ng reported that Mikel Arteta laid out his message to Arsenal fans and players ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
The Spaniard has revealed the only way the Gunners will topple Manchester City and Liverpool to win the league title is through relentless persistence.
Source: Legit.ng
