The FA rule which shows why VAR made the wrong decision in Arsenal’s defeat to Newcastle

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Arsenal lost to Newcastle in controversial circumstances yesterday, as the referees and VAR made a number of contentious decisions against Mikel Arteta’s side.

In what was a fiery encounter at St James’ Park, Arsenal had a right to be aggrieved as Anthony Gordon’s second-half goal was allowed in debatable circumstances, whilst Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes was lucky to stay on the pitch.

The Brazilian made a number of heavy challenges throughout the game, but should have seen red for violent conduct for a shocking foul on Jorginho, which saw him strike the midfielder in the head.

Bruno Guimaraes should have been sent off against Arsenal

Speaking on Sky Sports, Gary Neville hinted that because Guimaraes used his forearm, rather than an elbow to strike Jorginho, it was an action which was not deserving of a red card.

“I think it was more of a forearm from Guimaraes,’ he said. ‘He just lost his head. It’s not great. For me if the referee sees it it’s a yellow card, I don’t think it’s a red card,” Neville claimed.

However, according to the official FA rules, the part of the body used for the action was irrelevant in this case. That Guimaraes used his forearm, did not make the action any more justifiable.

“Violent conduct is when a player uses or attempts to use excessive force or brutality against an opponent when not challenging for the ball, or against a team-mate, team official, match official, spectator or any other person, regardless of whether contact is made,” it is explained in the FA laws of the game.

“In addition, a player who, when not challenging for the ball, deliberately strikes an opponent or any other person on the head or face with the hand or arm, is guilty of violent conduct unless the force used was negligible.”

The referee and VAR cost Arsenal dearly

Although Arsenal did struggle in front of goal, they performed fairly well in build-up, dominated possession and restricted the home side’s chances. However, it could have been a very different game if Guimaraes was handed a deserved red card early on.

The fact that VAR checked the offence and decided that the midfielder had not committed violent conduct, as per the rules, is astonishing. Guimaraes was not even booked for the incident, and he would go on to make more rough fouls on Jorginho and others.

Arteta was furious after the game, and rightly so, given that a decision which seriously affected the outcome of the match was not made as per the FA’s own guidance.