# ‘Something Isn’t Right’ – Ex-PGMOL Chief Slams Crucial VAR Error in Newcastle vs Arsenal
In the cauldron of Premier League intensity, where VAR’s blade cuts deepest, today’s September 28, 2025, showdown at St James’ Park delivered another VAR-fueled firestorm. Arsenal staged a heart-stopping 2-1 comeback victory over Newcastle United, with substitute Mikel Merino equalizing in the 90th minute and Gabriel Magalhães rising to head the winner deep into stoppage time. The Gunners climbed to second, narrowing the gap to champions Liverpool to two points, but the drama peaked around Gabriel’s earlier handball in the 88th minute—a blatant mishap that denied Newcastle a potential penalty and reignited ghosts of the infamous 2023 clash between these sides. Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett, the ex-referee who helmed officiating from 2003 to 2010, lambasted the decision as a glaring oversight, declaring “something isn’t right” in the system’s core.
The incident unfolded amid Arsenal’s frantic defense. Newcastle’s Anthony Elanga unleashed a shot from the edge of the box; the ball ricocheted awkwardly off Gabriel’s shin before striking his outstretched arm, ballooning skyward. Referee Michael Oliver waved play on, but VAR Tony Harrington reviewed it for over two minutes before clearing it, citing the deflection as justification under IFAB guidelines for unintentional handballs. Newcastle’s bench erupted, manager Eddie Howe gesturing wildly, but the call stood—no spot-kick, no reprieve. Moments later, Arsenal pounced on the counter, sealing their triumph.
Hackett, a veteran of over 1,000 matches and VAR pioneer, was quick to voice his dismay in a post-match column for Football Insider. “Simply astounded at this one,” he wrote. “The video evidence is clear and obvious—Gabriel’s arm is in an unnatural position, and that should have been a penalty for Newcastle. VAR’s threshold for ‘clear and obvious’ is being stretched to breaking point.” He drew direct parallels to the 2023 Newcastle 1-0 win, where Joelinton’s shove on Gabriel in the buildup to Anthony Gordon’s goal went unpunished despite replays screaming foul. “Back then, it was the push; today, the handball. Both times, VAR failed to intervene on Gabriel. Where’s the consistency? Howard Webb needs to address this mess before trust evaporates entirely.”
The 2023 scar still festers: a five-minute VAR saga cleared Gordon’s strike amid byline, offside, and foul debates, prompting Mikel Arteta’s “embarrassing” rant and a touchline ban. PGMOL’s Key Match Incidents panel later admitted errors elsewhere but upheld the goal 4-1. Today’s game layered on fresh irony—Newcastle’s opener by Nick Woltemade drew Arsenal protests over a perceived push on Gabriel, waved away, before VAR spared the Brazilian twice more: no red for a post-goal shove on Woltemade, and the handball escape. Released audio from Harrington to Oliver echoed past hesitations: “Deflection off the shin… arm not deliberate, but check the position.”
Hackett’s critique, rooted in his refereeing pedigree, underscores a season of VAR woes—from Liverpool’s overlooked Salah handball last week to Bournemouth’s debated goal against Arsenal in May. “The game’s integrity is on the line,” he urged. “Webb must enforce stricter protocols, or fans will disengage.” As Arsenal chase glory and Newcastle lick wounds, today’s “redemption” for Gabriel tastes bittersweet. In football’s relentless narrative, Hackett’s verdict lingers: something isn’t right—and it’s time for change.
About the Author
