Overview

• Jarred Gillett’s 15th-minute penalty for Arsenal was overturned after VAR Darren England sent him to the monitor, resulting in no foul and a drop ball.
• PGMOL chief Howard Webb said replays showed Nick Pope clearly touched and diverted the ball before any contact, calling the initial award a clear error.
• Mikel Arteta and Bukayo Saka challenged the application of the clear‑and‑obvious threshold given the duration of the check, despite Arsenal’s late 2–1 win at St James’ Park.
• Former referee Mark Clattenburg publicly criticised officiating standards, writing that it was time for Webb to accept he has failed.
• Ex-referee Keith Hackett argued VAR should have reviewed other flashpoints, including Jamaal Lascelles’ grab on Viktor Gyökeres and an alleged strike by Gabriel on Nick Woltemade, which he said could have warranted red cards.