Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has aimed an apparent swipe at Mikel Arteta following Arsenal’s cynical statement on VAR allowing Newcastle United’s goal.
The Gunners backed Arteta following the Spaniard’s post-game remarks criticising ‘yet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors’ in a club statement last Sunday. Officials left Arteta and Arsenal irate by letting Anthony Gordon’s winning goal stand at Newcastle last Saturday.
VAR Andy Madley did not advise referee Stuart Attwell to change the on-field call to give the goal at St James’ Park despite checking several possible issues in Gordon’s goal. He looked into if the ball went out of play, if Joelinton committed a foul and also if Gordon was offside.
Arteta branded VAR letting Newcastle’s goal stand as a ‘disgrace’
The ball even struck Joelinton’s arm as the Brazilian seemingly fouled Gabriel Magalhaes but each VAR check sided with Newcastle. Madley could not find conclusive evidence to show if the ball was out of play or if Gordon was offside. All of which riled Arteta as Arsenal lost 1-0.
Arteta told Sky Sports after the game that it was ‘embarrassing’ and a ‘disgrace’ that VAR let Newcastle’s goal stand. The Gunners coach also added that he felt ‘sick’ and that ‘we cannot accept’ it before Arsenal shared a statement demanding the PGMOL improves its standards.
Owen called Arsenal ‘totally classless’ for their statement on VAR
Former Newcastle forward Michael Owen is one of many to come out criticising Arsenal and Arteta for their statements on VAR allowing Gordon’s goal to stand. He branded the Gunners ‘totally classless’ and added that the only ‘embarrassing’ aspect in it all is Arteta’s behaviour.
Now, Tottenham manager Postecoglou has seemingly aimed a dig at Arteta and Arsenal after his side lost 4-1 to Chelsea this Monday night. The Blues came back from 1-0 down to beat a nine-man Spurs team following red cards for defenders Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie.
Referee Michael Oliver eventually sent Romero and Udogie off after both escaped red cards earlier in the game. VAR John Brooks was also heavily involved in the London derby with the official ruling out three extra goals. Brooks ruled Tottenham’s goal to lead 2-0 out for offside.
Postecoglou takes aim at Arteta for criticising VAR after Chelsea beat Tottenham
Yet Postecoglou took aim at Arteta and Arsenal for commenting on the officials who allowed Gordon’s goal for Newcastle to stand after Chelsea beat Tottenham than to bemoan the VAR decisions. He also claimed that managers, including the Australian, will try to bend the rules.
“Premier League managers should just manage their football clubs,” Postecoglou stated, via quotes by ABC News. “I’ve never and I never will talk to a referee about the rules of the game. I was taught that you grow up and you respect the officials.
“You know what managers do? I’ll tell you what managers do, me included, we try to find ways to bend the rules. Tell me what the rule is, and I guarantee you’ll have a room full of managers processing ‘How can I get around this?’
“We’re not the right people. I get people keep saying this. I don’t agree with it. What I want is the best officials always being upskilled to officiate the game. But I think it is so hard for referees to officiate these days.”
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