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‘Get rid of it’ – Anthony Gordon rages at VAR and calls for it to be scrapped after Newcastle winger is denied penalty against Man Utd

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Anthony Gordon has called for the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) to be scrapped after he was denied a penalty in the 3-2 loss to Manchester United.

  • Gordon denied penalty in Man Utd defeat
  • Magpies winger wants VAR scrapped
  • Believes technology is not fulfilling its purpose

Anthony Gordon Sofyan Amrabat

WHAT HAPPENED?

Newcastle United were denied a penalty in the first half after Sofyan Amrabat looked to have brought down Gordon in the box as the Magpies trailed 1-0 to the Red Devils. The winger seemed certain that a penalty would be awarded, however, to his dismay referee Rob Jones did not whistle and was not called to the pitchside monitor to review the incident either. Gordon now believes that if the utilisation of VAR isn’t improved, it should be scrapped altogether.

WHAT GORDON SAID

Speaking after the match to Sky Sports, the Magpies winger said: “I’ve watched the incident back, it’s a clear penalty. I don’t mind the referee getting it wrong on the pitch because it’s a difficult decision, things happen really quickly, but I don’t understand what the point of VAR is then. It’s there to correct mistakes, he goes down my Achilles and pushes me in the back, then Casemiro comes and gets the ball, but it’s two fouls before that.

“I honestly don’t see the point of it. I knew straightaway (it was a foul). That’s why I didn’t appeal, because I don’t mind the referee not giving it because it’s fast, but I’ll wait for the VAR to check. You can see me telling my team-mates, ‘Don’t worry, it’s a penalty, it’s a clear penalty.’ Then we carry on, I’ve got no sock left and I don’t understand the point of it, I really don’t.”

VAR

THE BIGGER PICTURE

VAR has come under a lot of criticism ever since its incorporation into the sport and not just in the Premier League. Reports have also suggested that clubs are now looking to get rid of the technology, with Wolves having called for Premier League clubs to vote on scrapping the use of VAR for the 2024-25 season. Top-flight clubs will now vote on the future of VAR at a meeting next month. In order for the proposal to be approved, 14 teams must vote in favour.

WHAT NEXT FOR GORDON?

The loss on the night dented Newcastle’s hopes of rising into sixth place ahead of Chelsea. As for Gordon, the winger will hope to continue his good form when the Magpies take on Brentford on the final day of the season.

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