‘Robbed’: Man Utd icon clashes with Gary Neville over Arsenal defeat

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Manchester United icon Patrice Evra has now sided with Arsenal in the most recent VAR debate.

Arsenal were on the receiving end of a contentious VAR decision on Saturday. Anthony Gordon’s second half strike for Newcastle was allowed to stand, despite questions marks over whether or not the ball went out of play, a potential foul on Gabriel Magalhaes, and a possible offside offence.

Ultimately, the goal was given, much to the chagrin of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. The Spanish coach did not hold back with his post-match comments on the decision, branding it an “absolute disgrace,” as quoted by the club’s official website.

Following his comments, there has been plenty of debate. Jamie Carragher has spoken out in support of Arteta’s passion. Meanwhile, Michael Owen called Arsenal “classless” after the Gunners released an official club statement in support of the manager.

Gary Neville came down on the side of the referee and VAR, believing they made the right decision at St James’ Park. However, his former Manchester United teammate Patrice Evra had no time for this position.

Responding to a Sky Sports Instagram post featuring Neville’s comments, Evra said, “I love you but arsenal get robbed in daylight!!! The ball was out simple.”

Arsenal must focus on next challenge

Unfortunately, for all of the argument and outrage, there is nothing that Arsenal can now do to change the outcome of their match with Newcastle. The 1-0 defeat ended the north London club’s unbeaten start to the Premier League season.

Attention must now turn to bouncing back with a positive result against Burnley next time out in the Premier League, following a Champions League clash with Sevilla on Wednesday.

The simple truth is that Arsenal did not lose to Newcastle solely due to one VAR call. Arteta will recognise that his side did not pose enough of an attacking threat of their own. Whilst they can consider themselves unfortunate to have lost, the Gunners did not deserve to win on Tyneside.