Arsenal were controversially denied a penalty during their Premier League clash at Newcastle United on Sunday. Striker Viktor Gyokeres went down in the box after contact with goalkeeper Nick Pope in the 14th minute, with referee Jarred Gillett initially awarding a spot-kick.
However, Gillett overturned his original decision after consulting the VAR monitor at St James' Park. The reversal prompted fury from Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and his players on the touchline.
Official explanation
The Premier League Match Centre released an official statement following the incident. "After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of penalty to Arsenal," the statement read.
Gillett explained his final verdict: "After review, the Newcastle goalkeeper plays the ball and there is no foul. The final decision is drop ball."
Expert opinion divided
Television pundits offered contrasting views on the controversial call. Gary Neville said on Sky Sports: "It looked like a clear penalty. It's knee on knee. Gyokeres touches the ball, then there's a touch [from Pope] and he brings him down after that. I'm a little torn, to be honest."
BBC pundit Joe Hart defended the decision: "If Pope touches the ball, then it's not a penalty - and he does touch it before he hits Gyokeres. If you break it down and see why it's not been given, then you can't argue with the decision."
Sources used: "Mirror", "Sky Sports", "BBC" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
