Referee Panel Delivers Verdicts on Four Controversial Arsenal vs Newcastle Incidents
A recent Premier League clash between Arsenal and Newcastle United reignited the debate over VAR consistency and refereeing standards, following four highly contentious incidents that had major implications for the match. The Premier League’s Independent Key Match Incidents Panel has since reviewed these events and delivered its official verdicts—some of which go directly against the on-field decisions made during the game.
1. Kai Havertz Tackle – Should Have Been a Red Card
One of the most talked-about moments came in the first half, when Arsenal midfielder Kai Havertz lunged into a challenge on Newcastle’s Sean Longstaff. Although Havertz was only shown a yellow card, the nature of the tackle—high, with significant force and limited control—prompted widespread debate.
The Key Match Incidents Panel reviewed the challenge and unanimously agreed that a red card should have been issued. The panel deemed Havertz’s tackle as reckless and endangering the safety of his opponent, satisfying the criteria for serious foul play. This decision sparked frustration among Newcastle fans and pundits alike, who believed it could have changed the flow of the match.
2. Bruno Guimarães Elbow on Jorginho – Split Opinion
Shortly after the Havertz incident, Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimarães appeared to strike Arsenal’s Jorginho on the back of the head with his forearm in an off-the-ball incident. Despite protests from Arsenal players and manager Mikel Arteta, no red card was issued, and VAR did not intervene.
Upon review, the panel was split 3–2 on whether the challenge warranted a red card. While a majority believed the act met the threshold for violent conduct, the lack of unanimous agreement meant the incident fell into a ‘subjective’ category—one that justifies VAR not intervening. This outcome further fueled Arsenal’s frustration, particularly given the earlier Havertz ruling.
3. Penalty Overturned After Pope Challenge
Later in the game, Arsenal were initially awarded a penalty after Victor Gyökeres went down under a challenge from Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope. Referee Michael Oliver pointed to the spot, but VAR intervened and instructed him to review the decision on the pitch-side monitor. The penalty was ultimately overturned.
This call has divided opinion. While VAR concluded Pope got a touch on the ball before making contact, former referees like Dermot Gallagher argued that the penalty should have stood, suggesting the challenge remained careless and impactful. However, the panel supported the VAR decision, stating that the contact with the ball was sufficient to rescind the foul.
4. Gabriel Handball – No Penalty Correct
The final major incident came in stoppage time when a cross struck Gabriel Magalhães’ arm inside the Arsenal box. Newcastle appealed vigorously for a penalty, but it was waved away, with VAR confirming no foul.
The panel unanimously agreed that the no-penalty decision was correct, citing that the ball deflected off Gabriel’s thigh before striking his arm—making it accidental and not punishable under current handball rules.