There were THREE major refereeing mistakes in Arsenal’s loss to Newcastle – ex-ref Halsey understands Arteta frustration

I CAN understand Mikel Arteta’s frustrations after Arsenal’s defeat at Newcastle.

There were three VAR checks for Anthony Gordon’s winner and I felt there was a clear push by Joelinton on Gabriel.

Stuart Attwell was at the centre of the VAR controversy as Newcastle beat Arsenal

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Ex-ref Mark Halsey believes Gabriel was pushed for Newcastle’s winner[/caption]

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Halsey understands Mikel Arteta’s frustration[/caption]

Had ref Stuart Attwell disallowed the goal or VAR Andy Madley recommended a review then there would have been few complaints.

On the other two checks, the TV camera angles shown were inconclusive as to whether Joe Willock kept the ball in play during the build-up.

VAR tried to look if Gordon was also offside.

But there was no available angle to see the point of contact from Joelinton so the officials were unable to determine when the Magpies midfielder last touched the ball and therefore if Gordon was offside.

It was the latest high-profile error and the mistakes are happening every week.

Why is this? The leadership, direction and coaching from Howard Webb’s management team is not up to the task.

Kai Havertz and Bruno Guimaraes were both lucky to avoid a red card.

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Havertz dodged a clear sending-off for a poor challenge on Sean Longstaff which ticked all the boxes for serious foul play under Law 12.

Guimaraes should also have been dismissed for violent conduct after his forearm smash on the back of Jorginho’s head.

Ref Attwell didn’t see it but that’s what VAR is for.