Former Man United player just can’t believe what happened to Viktor Gyokeres vs Newcastle

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Viktor Gyokeres was a talking point from Arsenal’s late win over Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

There was early drama in the North East as Gyokeres appeared to be fouled in the box by Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope.

Bukayo Saka was left stunned by VAR, as after Jarred Gillett pointed to the spot, VAR intervened and the penalty was overturned.

Gillett explained that VAR had noticed that Pope had touched the ball before making contact with Gyokeres, which warranted the penalty being cancelled.

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Bojan Djordjic can’t understand why Viktor Gyokeres’ penalty vs Newcastle was overturned

The decision not to award the penalty has split the footballing world.

Former PMGOL chief Keith Hackett thought it was a penalty, regardless of Pope’s involvement, while fellow ex-ref Dermot Gallagher thought VAR was right.

Outside of former referees, players past and present have commented.

Troy Deeney thought Gyokeres should’ve been awarded the penalty, which was an opinion shared by a former Premier League winner. 

Speaking during Swedish outlet Viaplay’s broadcast of the fixture, as transcribed by Sportbladet, pundit Bojan Djordjic gave his verdict on the incident. 

“I don’t understand how the VAR room, which has had zero understanding of the game all season, can call on the head referee for a minimal mistake,” a furious Djordjic said.

“Pope touches the ball minimally, but that shouldn’t affect the assessment,” he continued.

“He prevents Viktor Gyokeres from reaching the ball in the next moment. Knee to knee, that’s a clear penalty. Anyone who has played football must agree.”

Djordjic, who spent a total of five years on Manchester United’s books, was outraged that Gyokeres and Arsenal were denied the penalty.

Gyokeres showed why Arsenal signed him with Newcastle performance 

If there’s one thing Swedish media will celebrate from Arsenal’s win, it’s how well Gyokeres played against Newcastle. 

The striker caused the Magpies so many problems, most notably with his strength and ability to hold the ball up.

Having Eberechi Eze play close to him was a game-changer for the Swede, who was heavily involved in the game as Arsenal’s focal point in attack.

It was a performance that the summer signing will hope to build on, with the most important thing being three points, so that the penalty controversy didn’t become even more of an outrage.