Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed his raw displeasure after the powers that be in the VAR room overturned what he insists was a legitimate pe...
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed his raw displeasure after the powers that be in the VAR room overturned what he insists was a legitimate penalty awarded to Eberechi Eze during a tense European encounter. The Spanish tactician, known for his fiery sideline demeanor, argued that the on field decision to point to the spot was not a clear and obvious error and therefore the intervention from the video assistant referee was entirely unwarranted. In the scheme of things, Arteta believes his side were robbed of the lion's share of a crucial opportunity to seize control of the match. Speaking to GoalZaza after the final whistle, Arteta maintained that the original call by the referee should have stood, noting that the contact on the Nigerian born Eze was sufficient to warrant a penalty. The Arsenal manager stated that the technology, rather than aiding the flow of the game, had created unnecessary confusion and frustration. He emphasised that football is a game of human judgement and that VAR should only step in when the error is plain for all to see, not when a subjective interpretation is required. At the end of the day, Arteta feels his team did enough to give a good account of themselves and were let down by the decision makers. The incident has sparked heated debate in viewing centres across Lagos and Abuja. In places like Surulere and Wuse, fans gathered around large screens were seen throwing their hands in the air as the penalty was controversially wiped out. Many supporters, clad in their Arsenal jerseys, argued that if a similar incident had involved a Super Eagles talisman like Victor Osimhen, the decision would have stood. The general consensus among the crowd was that the officials had shown a lack of consistency, leaving a bitter taste in the mouths of the faithful who had turned out in numbers to support the Gunners.
