TV commentator Andy Gray has strongly criticized VAR, after Arsenal and Wolves were left fuming by controversial calls

TV commentator Andy Gray has strongly criticized VAR, claiming it has severely impacted the essence of the sport following yet more controversy over the weekend. Arsenal expressed their frustration when Anthony Gordon’s game-deciding goal was permitted, and Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle escaped punishment for a supposed elbow on Jorginho. Additionally, former Liverpool player Iago Aspas displayed his discontent with VAR by tossing the referee’s monitor to the ground during Celta Vigo’s match.

Gray, speaking to BeIN SPORTS, stated, “VAR has caused more harm to our sport than any changes we’ve made in the last century! If you talk to any football fan attending a Premier League match nowadays who wishes to celebrate a goal, they often can’t. I’d only retain VAR for offside and goalline decisions.”

Following their 1-0 loss to Newcastle on Saturday, Arsenal issued a statement in support of manager Mikel Arteta, who criticized the refereeing standards in England. The statement backs Arteta in the face of what they see as “unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors.” It goes on to suggest that fans, players, and managers deserve better from the PGMOL.

Arteta was incensed after the match at St James’ Park when Anthony Gordon’s game-deciding goal was allowed to stand, and Bruno Guimaraes avoided punishment for an alleged elbow on Jorginho. Gordon’s crucial goal underwent three separate VAR reviews before being deemed valid, with referee Stuart Attwell and VAR official Andy Madley concluding that Joe Willock had kept the ball in play, Joelinton had not fouled Gabriel, and the goalscorer was onside.

In Spain, Iago Aspas vented his frustration with VAR by throwing the referee’s monitor to the ground during Celta Vigo’s match. This incident occurred in the dying moments of their pivotal LaLiga contest with Sevilla, which ultimately ended in a 1-1 draw. Celta Vigo believed they had the opportunity to secure all three points after referee Alejandro Hernandez awarded them a penalty for a foul by Jesus Navas on Anastasios Douvikas. However, following a VAR consultation, the initial decision was overturned, and the yellow card given to Navas was rescinded.