Premier League release statement on Newcastle vs Arsenal controversy, Gary Neville reacts
Newcastle United got the rub of the green against Arsenal when referee Jarred Gillett correctly used VAR to disallow an Arsenal penalty.
The sixth Premier League game week of the 2025-26 season brought with it plenty of controversy as VAR received major backlash for its Mohamed Salah decision after the Egyptian appeared to commit handball in the buildup to Federico Chiesa’s goal against Crystal Palace.
Former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official Keith Hackkett was left dumbfounded by VAR’s decision on Malo Gusto after the Chelsea defender appeared to kick Yankuba Minteh in the head in the 87th minute against Brighton.
Premier League statement on Viktor Gyokeres and Nick Pope incident
After an underhit back pass from Newcastle United forward Jacob Murphy, the ball was pounced upon by Viktor Gyokeres.
His touch initially appeared to go beyond goalkeeper Nick Pope before the Norwegian striker was brought down after knee-to-knee contact between the two players.
A different camera angle showed Pope got a touch on the ball before colliding with Gyokeres and the referee, Jarred Gillet, correctly adjudged it to be fair contact, disallowing the penalty and awarding a free kick to Newcastle United.
Rare as it may be, this was a perfect use of VAR (Video Assistant Referee) technology and should be the blueprint for similar situations moving forward.
The Premier League Match Centre released a statement on X, sharing the on-field announcement at St. James’ Park: “After review, the Newcastle goalkeeper plays the ball and there is no foul. The final decision is drop ball.”
Gary Neville thinks Arsenal should have had a penalty
Former Manchester United star and TV pundit, Gary Neville, has argued that Arsenal should have had a penalty despite VAR’s decision to overturn it.
Speaking live on commentary for Sky Sports, Neville said that the knee-to-knee contact means it should have been a spot kick to the Gunners.
“Pope came out and committed. Gyokeres was very close to the goalkeeper and nicked it past him. It looked like a clear penalty.
“It’s knee on knee.”
Ultimately, the officials stood by VAR’s decision to recommend referee Gillett to review the on-field decision and play soon resumed.