It seems Arsenal are cursed with the most controversial VAR decisions and referee. The Gunners became victims of another unfortunate incident where Gabriel Martinelli’s goal was disallowed. Moreover, this one cost them three points at home against Brighton. Arsenal lost 2-1 at home which left them three points adrift of Tottenham. The Gunners are fighting for a Champions League spot, but the defeat dealt them a huge blow. However, what was more concerning was the disallowed goal by VAR. But former referee agreed with what Arsenal and Brighton managers had to say.
Arsenal were trailing 1-0 to Brighton, and Martinelli equalized for Arsenal just before the half-time. Martinelli slotted the ball in an open net after Brighton goalkeeper’s poor clearance. However, on field referee took the help of the VAR to check the goal scored by the Arsenal winger.
But to everyone’s surprise and frustration, The VAR took 4 minutes to check the goal. Clear angle of Martinelli’s position was not available as the decision was a prolonged one. Both Arsenal and Brighton players as well as on field referee David Coote looked confused and bemused over the technology taking so long.
Former referee too acknowledges Arsenal and Brighton’s concerns
Though Brighton manager Graham Potter was relieved the goal didn’t stand, he raised his disappointment over the process. Potter said, “If you ask me honestly I would rather it take less time to come to that decision but if it is the right decision and it goes in our favour then they can take as long as they want”. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta looked enraged as well over the VAR referee taking so long.
“(We felt) If it’s taking too long and if there’s going to be any doubt there then it’s going to be a goal. That wasn’t the case. It was a decision that we needed because that was probably the best moment in the game to try to change the momentum of the game,” said Arteta.
Mark Halsey, who refereed about 280 premier league games while speaking to CaughtOffside emphasized that there should be a fixed number of minutes for VAR checks. Gabriel Martinelli was just offside, his foot strayed offside. The question is why did it take four minutes to decide?”.
Halsey further added, “I know there were other questions in there too – was there a foul? Did it come off a Brighton defender? – but it shouldn’t be taking four or five minutes to make that call”.
“That’s what frustrates everybody, the length of time taken. It might make sense to introduce a time limit on these decision-making processes, because otherwise it can go on and on and on. You can find whatever you want to find it an incident when you take that long,” continued the former man in charge. The experienced referee gave the verdict as well that Arsenal should have given the advantage with the goal being allowed.
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