Ex-Gunners legend applauds Arsenal for “backing” Arteta
In a new interview with BettingSites.co.uk, former Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman has backed Mikel Arteta’s decision to lash out at VAR following his side’s 1-0 defeat at Newcastle.
The ex-England star described VAR’s decision to not disallow the goal as ‘frightening’ and says it is great that Arsenal released a statement publicly backing the Gunners boss, who said the result left him feeling sick and embarrassed on the Premier League’s behalf.
Interview highlights:
- Mikel Arteta correct about ‘frightening’ VAR and I’m glad Arsenal backed him
- Foul by Joelinton on Gabriel was ‘obvious’ and wrong decisions are frustrating
- Bruno Guimaraes lucky not to see red for ‘deliberate’ strike on Jorginho
“Mikel Arteta & Arsenal correct to call out mystifying VAR decisions”
David Seaman is fully behind Arsenal and Mikel Arteta’s decision to go to war with the PGMOL over the VAR decisions they felt went against them in their 1-0 defeat to Newcastle;
David Seaman: “The Newcastle goal is frightening. I just don’t know what VAR were thinking. They said they couldn’t see a reason to disallow the goal. Well I saw possibly three! I think it’s great that Arsenal have backed Arteta’s criticisms because it was passion from the manager and that’s what the fans love to see. He’s just highlighting mistakes. He’s not making it personal. The more he highlights mistakes, hopefully the more they clean up their act and they make sure they’re on it.”
“Baffling that foul on Gabriel was not enough to disallow goal”
VAR gave Anthony Gordon’s goal after deciding the ball stayed in play, there was no foul, handball or offside in the build up but Seaman is adamant that Joelinton was guilty of an infringement;
David Seaman: “The ball comes in and yes Raya misses it but it’s an obvious foul by Joelinton on Gabriel. The offside, maybe the ball has gone parallel. Fine. But not only was it a foul it could’ve been a handball as well. It was just so obvious and I can totally understand Mikel Arteta’s frustrations because it’s happening too many times and not just against Arsenal. It’s just so frustrating.”
“Bruno Guimaraes lucky to not be sent off by Stuart Atwell”
Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes lost his cool in the first half and appeared to unnecessarily land his forearm on to the back of Jorginho’s head, leaving Seaman puzzled that neither the referee nor VAR chose to take action;
David Seaman: “It’s at least a yellow and it’s close to a red because he deliberately puts his arm there and there’s no need to do that. The one afterwards where he did get booked, I can understand that more because he’s put his hand there anticipating the contact. But you always run the risk if your hand is high that it can go into someone’s face. I do think Havertz was lucky to stay on the pitch as well though.”
