The referee governing body, PGMOL have confirmed that Howard Webb has contacted Arsenal to acknowledge and explain the ‘significant errors in the VAR process’ during yesterday’s draw at the Emirates Stadium between Arsenal and Brentford.
PGMOL can confirm its Chief Refereeing Officer Howard Webb has contacted both Arsenal and Brighton & Hove Albion to acknowledge and explain the significant errors in the VAR process in their respective Premier League fixtures on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/dCDkooxhxf
— PGMOL (@FA_PGMOL) February 12, 2023
Arsenal were leading during the game and on course to go eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table, until Christian Norgaard headed the ball back across the box for Ivan Toney who put the ball in the net with ease on the 74th minute.
The goal went to VAR, however Lee Mason failed to draw the lines in the right moment which would have found Norgaard in an offside position and therefore disallowed the goal.
If you want to see the mistake made by Lee Mason then click here.
PGMOL have said:
“Both incidents, which were due to human error and related to the analysis of offside situations, are being thoroughly reviewed by PGMOL.”
Arsenal’s performance wasn’t anywhere near the standard we’re used to seeing of them so far this season and Mikel Arteta will know that, however when you’ve got human error in the VAR room deciding results then ultimately it doesn’t matter how you perform on the pitch.
This isn’t the first time Arsenal have received an apology from PGMOL this season & it’s also not the first incident involving Lee Mason.
Gabriel Martinelli’s goal at Old Trafford which was later disallowed for a foul in the build-up was also investigated and deemed to be the incorrect decision made by VAR in that incident too. Who was in the VAR room that day? Also Lee Mason.
It doesn’t matter if you’re going for the Premier league title or trying to survive relegation, every point counts and when you’ve got incompetent officials in the VAR room making incorrect decisions week in, week out, it’s really difficult to accept.
