Former Arsenal forward Paul Merson believes Mikel Arteta's side should have been given a stonewall penalty against Newcastle United. Dan Burn could be seen holding Gabriel's shirt as the Gunners defender was hauled to the ground, but referee Andy Madley did not award a penalty.
VAR looked at the decision and opted to stick with the on field call, much to the disappointment of the Arsenal boss who made his feelings clear in an angry post match rant.
"Stonewall," said Merson. "In my opinion it’s stonewall, he’s got a complete and utter grab of his shirt. His fist is clenched as well, and he is properly pulling that back.
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"That’s a foul anywhere else on the football pitch, look at that. We’ve seen two or three people getting booked tonight for stopping people running away from the ball, for me it’s stonewall.
"That’s why I feel like the people in Stockley Park of the van, wherever they are, have - I don’t want to use the word clue - but they haven’t got an understanding of the game - that for me is a penalty. There might be another game next week where someone leans forward and grabs them, that I can understand… I can understand (the new remit for referees under Howard Webb, minimal involvement) but that is so clear and obvious.
"His hand his clenched holding the football shirt, anywhere else on the pitch for me it’s a free kick and players have been booked for less than that tonight."
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