Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has explained that Newcastle’s winner against Arsenal was allowed to stand because it wasn’t conclusive that the whole of the ball was over the whole of the line in the build-up to the goal.

Newcastle won 1-0 courtesy of Anthony Gordon’s 64th minute goal but Arsenal were adamant that the ball had gone out of play before Joe Willock delivered a cross in the build-up to the strike. 

Gallagher stressed that the officials couldn’t be certain that the ball wasn’t overhanging the line despite a VAR check.

‘We see it with corners where it looks over the circumference but the ball overhangs so they are allowed to play. I think that might be the problem with this, that they can’t be sure that some of that ball isn’t overhanging the line. There is no evidence to say the ball is out of play.

Dermot Gallagher explained why Newcastle’s winner against Arsenal was allowed to stand

Gallagher stated that it wasn’t clear the ball had gone out ahead of Anthony Gordon’s goal

Richard Keys suggested the goal could have been chalked off for a foul or handball

‘It isn’t whether the ball is in play but whether the ball is out of play.’

The incident was also discussed by Richard Keys and Andy Gray on beIN SPORTS.

The channel showed a graphic that appeared to demonstrate that the ball remained in play in the build up to the goal, although Keys admitted that it wasn’t completely conclusive. 

Speaking on beIN SPORTS, Gray said that the ball was: ‘A slither in.’

Keys ten said: ‘They would be right to argue we didn’t have a definitive angle which would conclusively prove whether the ball was in or whether the ball was out.’

Aside from that aspect, Keys stated that there were two other reasons why the goal should have been disallowed – for a foul on Arsenal defender Gabriel and a possible handball. In addition, there were questions over whether Gordon was offside.

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Keys said: Okay, there’s two reasons why the goal shouldn’t have stood.’

Gray said: ‘Foul and handball. We don’t know about the offside.’

beIN SPORTS showed a graphic which they claimed was evidence the ball didn’t go out of play

Richard Keys and Andy Gray admitted it was a difficult decision regarding whether to allow the goal to stand

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was livid with the decision to give Gordon’ goal

Keys admitted that it was a difficult decision regarding whether to allow the goal to stand.

He said: ‘In the end they decided in VAR to go with the on-field decision which then leaves you to ask why the referee didn’t see the push in the first place. I haven’t seen an angle of where he was. Within the time they had it was a difficult one to call with so many things to look at.’

Gray then added: ‘It was a difficult one to call in Newcastle’s favour with so many things that Arsenal had the right to complain about.’

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was left furious by the decision to allow Gordon’s goal to stand.

Arteta said: ‘How the hell did this goal stand up? It’s incredible. I feel embarrassed. It’s an absolute disgrace that this was allowed. For many reasons it’s not a goal.

‘It’s so difficult to compete at this level. This is nowhere near the [refereeing] level to describe this as the best league in the world. I feel sick to be part of this.’