Why was Arsenal penalty overturned at Newcastle?

When Arsenal host Newcastle at St James’ Park, there is never a dull moment of controversy.

The Gunners’ dramatic 2-1 Premier League victory was the latest point of contention after a penalty was awarded in the 14th minute, only for the decision to be overturned following video assistant referee’s (VAR) intervention.

Viktor Gyokeres, an Arsenal striker, pounced on a slack backpass made by Newcastle’s Jacob Murphy before being stopped by goalkeeper Nick Pope.

Referee Jarred Gillett pointed to the spot, but Pope was sent to the pitchside monitor for a second look when replays suggested he had touched the ball.

Gillett consented, and Arsenal’s protests were ignored in favor of the penalty decision.

He announced the on-pitch announcement by saying, “After review, the Newcastle goalkeeper plays the ball and there is no foul. Drop ball is the final choice.

Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, said: “VAR should not intervene if it is not a clear and obvious error. This has been a constant refrain for a while, and it has once more come at the start of this season.

Was Pope’s touch on the ball, which it appeared to be, sufficient evidence to establish that it wasn’t a penalty?

When a player uses excessive force against an opponent in a manner that the referee finds to be careless, reckless, or otherwise offensive: A direct free kick is awarded:

A direct free kick is used to punish an offence that involves contact.

Gyokeres touches the ball, touches it, and then touches him before lowering him.

“I’m undoubtedly torn,” I declare. Nick Pope does occasionally receive a touch, which is typically used as a rating for referees, goalkeepers, and penalties.

Pat Nevin, a former Chelsea winger, said, “Yes, he got a touch on it, but he still took out the player.” But I’m examining it from a forward-thinking perspective.

Joe Hart, a pundit for Match of the Day, and former Manchester City goalkeeper, said: “If Pope touches the ball, it’s not a penalty because he does touch it before he hits Gyokeres.”

You can’t contest the decision if you distill it down and see why it wasn’t given.

Jamie Redknapp, a former Liverpool midfielder, said: “He gets a touch, but I’m not sure it’s enough to negate the foul. It’s amazing how it overturned.

“He still fouls the player, even though he got a touch. Gyokores anticipates it, retreats from it, and clears him out.

Les Ferdinand, a former Newcastle striker, described it as “a fantastic touch.” I yelled, “I think Pope gets a touch,” when I first saw it. He does pass, and he does touch. I want the penalty probably more as a center-forward.

It’s not a penalty until the goalkeeper touches the ball and deviates. Pope has no idea what he can do there.

A service called Ask Me Anything is dedicated to responding to your inquiries.

We want to reward your time by educating you on topics you may not otherwise understand.

The team will be able to connect you with a network of contacts, including our experts and experts, to provide you with all the information you require.

We’ll respond to your inquiries right in the BBC Sport newsroom and visit some of the world’s biggest sporting events from the backstage.