Premier League Panel Rules VAR Was CORRECT To Allow Newcastle Goal Against Arsenal But Says Two Players Should Have Been Sent Off

The VAR's decision to allow Anthony Gordon's winning goal to stand during Newcastle's 1-0 victory over Arsenal last weekend was correct, according to the Premier League's Key Match Incidents panel.

Gordon's goal was initially awarded on the field and that decision stood despite three checks by the VAR - one to see if the ball had gone out of play, another for a possible foul and a third for offside.

Four members of the five-person panel - which includes three former players and/or coaches - voted that the decision to award the goal had been correct because there was insufficient evidence to overturn the on-field decision.

However, one panel member voted that the goal should have been disallowed due to an apparent foul on Arsenal defender Gabriel by Newcastle midfielder Joelinton.

The Premier League's Key Match Incidents panel has ruled that the VAR was right not to tell the referee to disallow Anthony Gordon's winning goal for Newcastle against Arsenal last weekend

IMAGO/Sportimage/Nigel Roddis

Gunners manager Mikel Arteta was furious after Saturday's game and he described the decision to award the goal as "embarrassing" and a "disgrace".

Arsenal later published a club statement backing Arteta over his criticism of the match officials.

The Premier League's Key Match Incidents panel also voted on two incidents that were the subject of possible red card checks during Saturday's match.

The panel voted unanimously that Kai Havertz should have been shown a straight red card for serious foul play following his dangerous challenge on Sean Longstaff in the first half.

Meanwhile, it was decided by three votes to two that Bruno Guimaraes should have been sent off for violent conduct for hitting Jorginho with his forearm.

Neither player was sent off despite the incidents being checked by the VAR on Saturday.

Kai Havertz should have been sent off against Newcastle, according to all five members of the panel

IMAGO/Sportimage/Nigel Roddis