Richard Keys now slams Howard Webb & PGMOL after ‘scary’ Arsenal debacle

Add as preferred source on Google

Richard Keys has now had his say on the VAR audio that has been released in the wake of the Newcastle United v Arsenal clash.

Newcastle United recently beat Arsenal by a 1-0 scoreline thanks to a controversial goal. After the match, Mikel Arteta was so incensed by the decision to allow the goal to stand that he branded it a “disgrace.”

Michael Owen dubbed Arteta’s response to the decision “classless.”

There was, of course, a thorough VAR check on the goal conducted during the match. There were several elements of this passage of play that needed to be reviewed. An apparent push on Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes looked like the most obvious reason to chalk the goal off. 

However, VAR saw no apparent reason to rule out the strike. 

Recently, former referee and technical director of the PGMOL, Howard Webb, went on Sky Sports to talk through the VAR process on this goal, with the audio of the review having been made available. 

Webb explained to former Newcastle United striker Owen why, in his opinion, the VAR review had reached the correct decision on this issue based on the video evidence available to them. 

Richard Keys, though, was not impressed with Webb’s efforts to shed light on the incident. Taking to X, he said, “It’s scary. They’ve had two weeks to identify a ‘clear and obvious’ push yet Howard Webb & PGMOL still can’t see it? . What’s the point of his show? Telling us they were correct doesn’t make it so.  Stop trying to be a tv star star Howard & address the shambles.”

Arsenal must focus on what they can control

Ultimately, there is very little to be gained by dragging up this incident again. Arsenal have moved on, winning both of their games since the defeat at St James’ Park.

There is an issue with the standard of officiating in the Premier League, but it is beyond Arteta to solve. All the Gunners can do is endeavour to play well enough to ensure that the outcome of their matches is not beholden upon them not falling foul of a questionable refereeing decision.

It is past time for this debate to be put to rest.