Piers Morgan moaned that VAR is “ruining football” after his team Arsenal were narrowly denied an opening goal against Brentford due to offside on Saturday evening. The Gunners thought they had taken a 1-0 lead before half-time through Leandro Trossard’s close-range header in the 5.30pm kick-off.
But a VAR check saw the goal chalked off a few moments later. Trossard was shown to – just – be beyond Gabriel Jesus whose header was initially saved by Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken before the Belgian converted the rebound.
Famous Arsenal fan Morgan wasn’t happy, though, and said on social media platform X (formerly Twitter): “FFS… VAR wrecking football yet again. I hate it so much.” Other Arsenal supporters asked whether VAR had drawn the correct line with it appearing to go through Jesus’ legs.
Some felt that the offside line was incorrectly drawn from Jesus’ shoulder rather than what appeared to be his furthest forward body part which looked to be his outstretched left leg.
It is not the first time Morgan and Arsenal have been left aggrieved by decisions that have gone against them this season.
Mikel Arteta was charged by the FA earlier this month after complaining about Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat at Newcastle which he labelled an “absolute disgrace” after Anthony Gordon’s controversial goal which could have been ruled out for a foul on defender Gabriel. The Spaniard added: “It’s embarrassing, I’m sorry, embarrassing. I feel sick.
“That’s how I feel. I feel sick to be part of this. It is not good enough and we cannot accept that.” He was keen after their next match, a home win against Burnley, to praise the officials however.
The Gunners boss said of his midfielder Fabio Vieira’s dismissal: “And with the red card, yes. Thank you for asking me. The VAR was right. The referee was right. Really good decision.”
He explained, as he faces a fine for his comments post-Newcastle, ahead of the trip to Brentford that he fears the Premier League could lose some of its passion in its effort to clamp down on the emotional reactions towards refereeing decisions.
Arteta said: “We live a game that is passionate and we play to win. And it has to happen. You have to react. Let’s sit down here in the theatre and be on mute and see if this league and this game is that interesting.
“It won’t be. That’s what makes it special. In a very respectful way? Yes, for sure. I can be friends [with referees]. I have known Howard [Webb, PGMOL boss] for a long time and have a really good relationship with him and many referees as well.
“I don’t judge human beings. It is the same with players – if I put a player on the bench it is not whether I like him or not. We are in an industry that is so demanding and we have to make the right calls and win games – that’s it.”
