Premier League Match Centre issue statement as Arsenal penalty overturned by VAR

Arsenal have been controversially denied a penalty during the first half of Sunday's clash at Newcastle United. Gunners striker Viktor Gyokeres went down in the Newcastle box after a collision with Nick Pope.

On-field referee Jarred Gillett originally awarded Mikel Arteta's side a penalty after the incident. However, he then opted to overturn his original decision after consulting the VAR monitor at St James' Park.

The decision prompted fury from Gunners boss Arteta and his players in the North East. The Premier League match centre have now released a statement on social media after the incident.

"After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of a penalty to Arsenal," the statement said. Referee, Gillett, said: "After review, the Newcastle goalkeeper plays the ball and there is no foul. The final decision is drop ball."

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Reacting to the decision live on Sky Sports, pundit Gary Neville said: "Pope came out and committed.

"Gyokeres was very close to the goalkeeper and nicked it past him. It looked like a clear penalty.

"It's knee on knee (after seeing the next replay). Gyokeres touches the ball, then there's a touch [from Pope] and he brings him down after that. I'm a little torn, to be honest."

He added: "I mean Viktor Gyökeres kicks it against Nick Pope's feet. Pope has still blocked Viktor Gyokeres.

"Gyokeres touches the ball and then there is a touch and then he takes him down after that. I'm a little bit torn. Nick Pope is the most relieved man in the stadium."

BBC pundit Joe Hart, meanwhile, said: "If Pope touches the ball, then it's not a penalty - and he does touch it before he hits Gyokeres. If you break it down and see why it's not been given, then you can't argue with the decision."

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