BREAKING NEWS: PGMOL Admits VAR Error in Victor Gyökeres Penalty Decision as FA Issues Apology to Arsenal
The Premier League refereeing body PGMOL has officially released a statement confirming an error in the controversial decision to overturn Victor Gyökeres’ penalty during Arsenal’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Newcastle United. Following a thorough review, the FA has issued an apology to Mikel Arteta and Arsenal’s management.
The flashpoint came in the first half when Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope collided with Victor Gyökeres inside the box. Referee Jarred Gillett initially awarded a penalty, but after a lengthy VAR check by Darren England, the decision was reversed—sparking outrage on the Arsenal bench and fury among supporters.
Speaking after the match, a frustrated Mikel Arteta blasted PGMOL’s inconsistency:
“For me, it’s very clear—this is a penalty. VAR should not intervene unless it’s a clear and obvious error. Once again, that wasn’t the case, and yet they overturned it.”
Arteta stressed that Premier League clubs had been briefed multiple times that VAR should only interfere in “clear and obvious” situations—a rule that was once again ignored.
Even Bukayo Saka, normally reserved in such debates, voiced his frustration:
“It’s things like this that always go against us. If it takes that long to overturn, it’s not a clear and obvious mistake. We’ve been told the same thing over and over.”
The overturned penalty was just one of several controversial incidents. Saka was repeatedly fouled by Joelinton and others without any bookings, while Riccardo Calafiori was harshly cautioned for obstruction. Meanwhile, Gyökeres was dragged down multiple times—including once by his face—yet failed to win a single free kick.
Despite the setbacks, Arsenal’s resilience shone through. Substitute Mikel Merino equalized with a looping header from a Declan Rice cross, before Gabriel sealed all three points in stoppage time with a powerful finish from Martin Ødegaard’s delivery.
The victory, earned under hostile conditions at a ground where Arsenal have often struggled, feels like more than just three points. It not only strengthens their Premier League title push but also adds further pressure on PGMOL to improve officiating standards.