Carragher questions extraordinary Arsenal statement with Liverpool comparison

05 November 2023 , 19:14

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Jamie Carragher disagreed with Arsenal releasing their statement (Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)

Jamie Carragher didn't agree with Arsenal's decision to put out a statement in the wake of their VAR controversy at Newcastle.

The Gunners saw their unbeaten start to the season ended at St James' Park after Anthony Gordon scored a controversial winner. His second-half strike survived three different VAR checks but Mikel Arteta was left stunned that the goal was allowed to stand.

The Spanish coach went on several post-match rants, claiming he was "embarrassed" to be part of a league that allowed such a goal. Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp understands his frustration having been involved in a VAR howler in his side's defeat at Tottenham with the Reds later putting out a similar statement to Arsenal.

Carragher admits he didn't agree with his former team's decision and is once again against Arsenal's statement. He said on Sky Sports: “I saw the statement, I don’t really agree with that, Liverpool did it but it was a different set of circumstances and I didn’t agree with what they put out. I said I loved Arteta’s interview because he was passionate, really honest, and it was great TV.

“But I’m still scratching my head over what part of the goal he and Arsenal are unhappy about. VAR can’t conclusively know whether that ball was in or out. Is there a foul? Probably 50/50. The offside wasn’t given on the field, but VAR couldn’t see it, so what do you want VAR to do?

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“You can say we need cameras that cover every inch of the pitch, but this is not another one to jump on the bandwagon with VAR and batter officials because that’s not right. Nothing was conclusive after the goal was given on the field, so it had to be a goal, end of story.”

Mikel Arteta was fuming after Arsenal's loss (MI News/NurPhoto/REX/Shutterstock)

Arsenal's defeat means their north London rivals Tottenham are the Premier League's only unbeaten side. The Gunners said the "PGMOL urgently needs to address the standard of officiating". Already this season the refereeing body has had to apologise for major errors in games.

Despite the outcry, fans and pundits appear divided on Gordon's goal with some suggesting it was right to award it given the evidence available. Gary Neville was among those to back the VAR's decision and also criticised Arsenal for going public with their opinions.

Samuel Meade