Arsenal have released a statement supporting coach Mike Arteta's criticism of Premier League refereeing after a controversial goal saw the Gunners go down 1-0 to Newcastle on Saturday.
Anthony Gordon's winning goal for Newcastle had three possible reasons for it to be disallowed by the VAR, but after analysis the decisive strike was awarded.
Gunners boss Arteta displayed his anger about the decision post-match and has since been supported by his club.
MORE: Newcastle vs Arsenal final score, result and highlights as Gordon's disputed winner sinks Gunners
Arsenal club statement supporting Mikel Arteta
"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 read.
"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 (Professional Game Match Offcials Limited) 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."
What Mikel Arteta said about the refereeing
Shortly after the defeat to Newcastle, Arteta voiced his anger about the officiating in an post-match interview with BBC.
"Embarrassing what happened - how this goal stands, in the Premier League - this league we say is the best in the world," he said.
"I've been 20 years in this country and now I feel ashamed. It's a disgrace and there's too much at stake here. We are trying to do incredible things and be at the highest level each week.
"When we're not good enough I hold my hands up and take responsibility. The outcome is nowhere near the level this league needs to have and the way this league is getting competed in. It's not good enough. I feel embarrassed to be part of this."
Anthony Gordon's controversial winning goal
Gordon's winner had three incidents that were analysed by the VAR in determining if it should stand.
The decisive moment! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/ZfegJn4h46
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) November 4, 2023
Ball out of play
Did the ball go out of play before Joe Willock crossed it in?
Replays are inconclusive, with a camera not positioned directly in line with the byline.
Foul on Gabriel
As Willock's cross came in, Joelinton appeared to have shoved Gabriel before the ball ricocheted down to Gordon.
The referee deemed it wasn't a foul at the time and the VAR subsequently determined it wasn't an 'obvious error'' by the official.
Offside on Gordon
Was Gordon offside as the ball was nudged down to him?
VAR could not make a call on this factor as there wasn't a camera angle that clearly displayed when the ball struck Joelinton in regards to Gordon's positioning.
