Shocking unheard VAR audio from Newcastle vs Arsenal 'leaked' online
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Unheard VAR audio from Newcastle's 1-0 win over Arsenal - which was not aired on the recent 'Match Officials Mic'd Up' show - has been the subject of a supposed 'leak' online.
The Magpies' win was accompanied by huge amounts of controversy, with VAR checking several aspects in the build-up to Anthony Gordon's goal.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta described the decision to give the goal as 'embarrassing', although an independent panel later agreed that the VAR call was correct.
On the recent edition of 'Match Officials Mic'd Up', PGMOL chief Howard Webb commented on VAR audio of the process leading up to Gordon's goal being awarded.
You can see the clip below.
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However, the independent panel called into question two other decisions from the game.
They agreed, via a split decision of three to two, that Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes should have been shown a red card for an elbow to the head of Arsenal midfielder Jorginho in the first half.
But the process involved in the decision not to send off Guimaraes was not broadcast.
VAR audio from the incident, however, has been the subject of a supposed 'leak' online, with X (Twitter) user Team News and Ticks posting the clip. It was then shared on Reddit.
In the clip, after an angle of the incident is shown to the VAR room, VAR official Andy Madley can be heard saying: "So he lifts his arm up because he's going into the defender.
"He sees the player, he puts his arm up. There's a glancing blow to the side of his head. For me, that's not used as a weapon, that's not serious foul play."
His assistant adds: "Yeah that's not nice, but for me that's nothing more than a yellow card, mate."
The pair agree, and Madley tells on-pitch referee Stuart Attwell that the check is complete.
VAR can, of course, intervene to judge a potential red card offence, but do not yet have the power to give a yellow card for a decision - unless it is being downgraded from a red.
As a result, therefore, the process involved in the incident appears to have been correct - although the outcome of the check has drawn the ire of Arsenal fans.
PGMOL refused to comment on the audio when approached by the Daily Mail.
SPORTbible has contacted PGMOL for comment.
Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports
Topics: VAR, Newcastle United, Arsenal, Premier League
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