Controversies are nothing new to football; a lot of matches played in several leagues consist of controversial decisions from the officials. Newcastle United’s match against Arsenal was one of those matches, and it has now become the center of attention for all the fans and the media as well.
The clash between the Magpies and the Gunners saw a lot of criticism for the referee’s decision, while some believed that the goal should not have been awarded and others thought that it was legit. There were many speculations about the goal, but a new angle has now made things clear.
Why was Newcastle’s controversial goal allowed to stand against Arsenal?
Newcastle United handed Arsenal their first Premier League loss of the season after defeating them in a Premier League Round 11 match on November 5. Though the Magpies tasted a 1-0 victory over their opponents, the goal scored by Anthony Gordon has raised quite a few eyebrows. Newcastle’s midfielder Joe Willock fired a cross from the corner flag in the 64th minute, which was converted into a goal. The opposing team claimed that the ball went out of play, but the goal was awarded since there was no angle for the VAR to confirm whether the ball crossed the line or not.
Bein Sports later released a video proving that the ball was still in play when Joe Willock got to it, but Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, refused to accept it. Arteta was completely disappointed, saying that it was not a goal. “How the hell does this goal stand? It’s absolutely incredible. I feel embarrassed. It’s an absolute disgrace that this goal is allowed. An absolute disgrace. It is not a goal, for many reasons, for more than one at least,” he said.
Arsenal fans furious after new footage emerges of Anthony Gordon’s goal vs Arsenal
Though the VAR claimed that there was no way to determine whether the ball was out of play or not, a new angle has just revealed that the ball did cross the line. This new revelation is a big one for Arsenal fans, as they were already riled up about the referee’s decision.
Arsenal fans think the goal should have been awarded, and Joe Willock should have respected the game and told the officials the truth. This behavior of Joe Willock also caused him to get some hate from the Gunners’ fans, who soon took to social media to call him racial slurs.
Though it now seems the goal should not have been given, Newcastle United have already been awarded three points, and nothing can be done now.
