The Newcastle vs. Arsenal drama is unfolding, and it seems the fallout is far from over. After Mikel Arteta and Arsenal faced criticism for their behavior, the FA has called them to account and is considering potential punishment. Adding another layer to the debate, the Premier League’s Independent Key Match Incidents Panel, comprising three former players or coaches and representatives from the Premier League and PGMOL, has assessed three key moments in the match.
According to ESPN, the panel’s verdict on these incidents is as follows:
1. **The Winning Goal:**
Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, was upset about Anthony Gordon’s winning goal, questioning its validity due to concerns about the ball being out of play, a foul on Gabriel by Joelinton, and potential offside. The panel, in a 4-1 vote, concluded that there wasn’t enough evidence to award a foul as Gabriel had initiated a play on the ball before any contact. They also upheld the view that there was insufficient proof to cancel the goal based on the two factual offenses.
2. **Kai Havertz’s Challenge:**
The panel unanimously agreed that Kai Havertz should have received a red card for his challenge on Sean Longstaff in the 36th minute. They deemed it “a very dangerous challenge” that required eradication, and this decision could have altered the direction of the game.
3. **Bruno Guimarães’ Incident:**
Bruno Guimarães’ arm to the head of Arsenal’s Jorginho in the 45th minute was considered a missed red card, but the panel was split in a 3-2 decision on this matter.
These verdicts highlight the complexity and controversy surrounding officiating decisions in football matches, adding more layers to the ongoing discourse around the Newcastle vs. Arsenal clash.
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