Bukayo Saka Speaks Out About Controversial VAR Penalty Decision at Newcastle

Bukayo Saka is upset about Arsenal’s penalty against Newcastle being overturned. He questions VAR’s clarity and thinks Arsenal gets a lot of tough calls. Even so, he’s glad the team got a good result.

WHAT HAPPENED?

In the Premier League match at St James’ Park, Arsenal won a penalty when Viktor Gyökeres was fouled by Newcastle’s keeper Nick Pope. Referee Jarred Gillett gave the penalty but then asked VAR to have a look. He reviewed it on the monitor for several minutes and decided Nick Pope touched the ball before the foul. So, the penalty was canceled and turned into a drop ball. Saka could not believe the decision and said, “VAR is for clear and obvious error. It took so long, it was not a clear error.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Saka’s comments show Arsenal supporters are upset about refereeing calls and VAR. Last season, Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, was also unhappy with VAR calls against Newcastle. It has been a tough fixture for Arsenal as they lost three times in the last four visits. This season, Arsenal is currently in second in the league, closely trailing Liverpool. Saka has been a star, scoring six goals and assisting four in eight games. Newcastle is fifteenth, seven points behind Arsenal, and are struggling after a poor start.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

Arsenal plays against West Ham next in the Premier League. West Ham are sitting 19th, and have already welcomed a new coach to the team. Winning could help Arsenal close the gap to the top two teams. Newcastle, on the other hand, plays against Nottingham Forest. Both teams are in the race for European spots, so each point is important. Saka and Arsenal hope more decisions will go their way in this tight season.