Goldbridge’s Take on Arsenal’s Controversial Defeat to Newcastle
VAR Controversy Overshadows Premier League Clash
In a recent episode of That’s Football, Mark Goldbridge delivered a passionate critique of the VAR system following Arsenal’s defeat to Newcastle. Goldbridge, known for his forthright opinions, did not hold back in expressing his dismay at the state of officiating in the Premier League.
“I’m tired of this… the beautiful game is being run by pratts on computers,” Goldbridge lamented, reflecting the frustration of many fans over the impact of VAR on the game’s integrity. His comments come in the wake of a contentious match where Arsenal fell to Newcastle, with VAR at the center of the controversy.
Arsenal Robbed by VAR?
Goldbridge highlighted the perceived injustice faced by Arsenal, stating,
“I’ll get into the detail of it, but I’m stunned.”
He pointed out the inconsistency in decisions, particularly comparing the disallowed goal for Manchester United on the same day to the one awarded to Newcastle. “It’s the inconsistency,”
he stressed, questioning the reliability of the technology and the officials behind it.
A Call for Fair Play and Consistency
The frustration was palpable as Goldbridge echoed Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s post-match sentiments. “This result should not be what it is… I feel ashamed,” he quoted Arteta, underscoring the emotional toll such decisions take on those involved in the sport.
Reforming Officiating in Football
Goldbridge proposed a radical solution to the ongoing issues with officiating:
“My solution is this: independent regulation.”
He called for accountability and suggested that the current system, governed by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), is inadequate. Goldbridge advocated for bringing in foreign referees to enhance the quality of officiating, emphasizing that the Premier League, as the best league in the world, deserves the best referees.
In conclusion, Goldbridge’s critique of the VAR system and the state of refereeing in the Premier League is a clarion call for change. His views resonate with a large section of the football community who desire a game that is fair, consistent, and true to the spirit of competition.