What Caused the Overturn of Arsenal's Penalty at Newcastle?

In a thrilling encounter at St James' Park, Arsenal faced Newcastle United, and a contentious moment arose when a penalty awarded to the Gunners in the 14th minute was reversed following a VAR review. The incident involved Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres and Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope, leading to heated discussions regarding the interpretation of the rules and the role of technology in football.

Last updated: 21 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Arsenal were awarded a penalty for a challenge by Nick Pope on Viktor Gyokeres.
• VAR intervened, leading to the penalty being overturned after a review.
• Referee Jarred Gillett determined Pope had touched the ball before the challenge.
• Opinions from former players varied regarding the correctness of the decision.
• The incident highlights ongoing debates about VAR's impact on officiating in football.

Context of the Incident

This incident took place during a high-stakes match where Arsenal aimed to solidify their position in the Premier League. The penalty decision, made by referee Jarred Gillett, was controversial, drawing attention not only to the event itself but also to the broader implications of VAR in football.

The Sequence of Events

The drama unfolded when Newcastle's Jacob Murphy misplayed a backpass, allowing Gyokeres to intercept. As Gyokeres approached the ball, Pope came rushing out and made contact with the forward. Initially, Gillett awarded a penalty, prompting cheers from Arsenal supporters. However, after reviewing the footage on the pitchside monitor, Gillett reversed his decision, stating that Pope had touched the ball, thus negating the foul.

Understanding the Rules

The Laws of the Game, as set forth by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), provide a framework for determining fouls. A direct free-kick is awarded for various offences, including reckless challenges and excessive force. In this scenario, the key question was whether Pope's touch on the ball constituted a legitimate save or if his actions still warranted a penalty due to the ensuing contact with Gyokeres.

Careless, Reckless, or Excessive Force?

According to the laws:

• Careless: Lack of attention or consideration in the challenge.
• Reckless: Disregard for the opponent's safety, requiring a caution.
• Excessive Force: Use of force that endangers an opponent, leading to a potential red card.

In this case, the debate centred on whether Pope's touch on the ball mitigated the foul, a common consideration in penalty decisions involving goalkeepers.

Expert Opinions

The decision has sparked diverse opinions from former players and pundits, highlighting the complexity of the situation:

Gary Neville's Perspective

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville noted that while Pope did touch the ball, Gyokeres was still brought down, indicating a grey area in the decision-making process.

Pat Nevin's Take

Former Chelsea midfielder Pat Nevin expressed that while Pope's touch was evident, the goalkeeper's action still led to Gyokeres being taken out, suggesting the challenge could still be deemed a foul.

Joe Hart's Analysis

Former Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart confirmed that if a goalkeeper touches the ball, it typically negates a penalty. He supported the referee's decision based on the evidence.

Jamie Redknapp's View

Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp was surprised by the overturning of the penalty, arguing that the contact after the goalkeeper's touch still constituted a foul.

Les Ferdinand's Opinion

Former Newcastle striker Les Ferdinand acknowledged that Pope's touch should negate the penalty, expressing sympathy for the goalkeeper who reacted to the situation.

The Role of VAR

This incident is significant in the ongoing discussion surrounding VAR's influence on football. Originally introduced to reduce errors in officiating, VAR has faced criticism for causing delays and adding complexity to decisions. The overturning of the penalty decision sparked debate about the balance between technology and human interpretation in the game.

Conclusion: What Happens Next?

As the season progresses, the implications of this incident may become more pronounced. Teams and players will continue to adapt to the evolving understanding of penalties and VAR interventions. Arsenal's victory in this match demonstrated their resilience, but they, alongside Newcastle, will likely reflect on how such contentious decisions can impact their season and overall performance.

What are your thoughts on the role of VAR in football? Is it enhancing the game or causing more confusion? #Arsenal #Newcastle #VAR

FAQs

What was the controversy regarding the penalty awarded to Arsenal?

The penalty awarded to Arsenal for Nick Pope's challenge on Viktor Gyokeres was overturned after VAR confirmed that Pope had touched the ball prior to the collision, leading to a contentious debate over the decision.

Why did the referee overturn the penalty decision?

Referee Jarred Gillett overturned the penalty decision after reviewing footage that indicated Nick Pope had made contact with the ball before challenging Gyokeres, thus determining there was no foul.

What do the football laws say about goalkeeper challenges?

The Laws of the Game stipulate that if a goalkeeper touches the ball before making contact with the player, it may not constitute a foul, depending on the nature of the challenge.

How has VAR impacted officiating in football?

VAR has been introduced to assist referees in making correct decisions, but it has also led to debates about its effectiveness, causing delays and sometimes confusion in crucial moments of matches.

What are the potential consequences of VAR decisions?

VAR decisions can significantly influence the outcome of matches, affecting team morale, standings, and player actions during games, as teams adapt to the evolving nature of officiating.