We Want The 2 Points, Not An Apology – Arteta Slams EPL Official

• The controversy over the VAR situation in the Premier League rages on.

• The Premier League and the PGMOL and its Head, Howard Webb, tender a formal apology to Arsenal and Mikel Arteta over a human error in the EPL fixture between Brentford and Arsenal.

• Arteta criticizes the choice for an apology at this moment, knowing the error has been made with no going back.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal Football Club, has demanded two points in recompense for a VAR mistake that allowed Brentford to score an equalizer in their Premier League match on Saturday.

Arteta stated that he would “only be pleased” if Arsenal is given two points back, which were lost due to the error.

EDITOR’S PICKS

• Less Drama, No Expectation – Speed Darlington On The Baby Mama Issue

• Principles Of Coaching: Thiago Silva On Tuchel vs. Potter

• A Memory At Chelsea That I’ll Cherish – Thiago Silva

During the match, Ethan Pinnock’s challenge on Gabriel in the 74th minute led to a VAR review of Ivan Toney’s goal for Brentford.

The review cleared the incident, but there was a contention that Christian Norgaard was offside during the buildup to Toney’s goal. However, the system’s lines, which could have shown whether the Brentford player was offside, were ignored by the VAR operator, Lee Mason.

The mistake was acknowledged and explained to Arsenal by the Chief Refereeing Officer of PGMOL, Howard Webb. In response to the acknowledgment, Arteta said that it was not a human error but a lack of understanding of the job, which is not acceptable.

Arteta further stated that the error cost Arsenal two points that cannot be restored, and they will have to find those points somewhere else in the league. The team ended the game with huge anger and disappointment after analyzing all the evidence with the images, he added.

While appreciating the apology and explanations from PGMOL, Arteta insisted that he would only be satisfied if they give him the two points back, which is not possible.

The apologies and explanations were sincere, open, and genuine, which is good, but it doesn’t change the fact that Arsenal has two fewer points than they should have on the table.

Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League was cut to three points after Manchester City drew with Aston Villa on Sunday. On Wednesday, Arsenal will face City at the Emirates Stadium, and Arteta’s team might lose their top spot if City beats them.

FURTHER READING:

• CBN Plunges Nigerians Into Confusion As Banks Reject Old Naira Notes

• “Blackmail” — Obi Campaign, CAN Debunk Rumours Of N2bn Mobilisation Fee

• Whitney Adeniran: Lagos Govt Begins Coroner’s Inquest To Ascertain Cause Of Death

The VAR mistake has caused a stir in the football community, with many calling for a review of the system and its operators. Arteta’s demand for two points has also brought attention to the need for fair play and accuracy in the game.

Click here to watch our video of the week: