Arteta Slams VAR After Controversial Brighton Penalty Denies Arsenal Win
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was left stunned by a controversial VAR decision during Arsenal’s match against Brighton, which ended in a frustrating draw for the Gunners. The game’s defining moment came late in the second half when Brighton was awarded a penalty following a VAR review, a decision that Arteta described as “unacceptable.”
“I have never seen anything like it in my life,” Arteta said post-match, clearly exasperated. “This is not the standard we expect. It’s unacceptable.”
Arsenal, pushing for a critical victory to strengthen their league position, had controlled much of the game. However, the penalty handed Brighton an equalizer, nullifying Arsenal’s earlier efforts. The decision sparked immediate backlash, with players and fans questioning the consistency of VAR in high-stakes moments.
“This isn’t just about us—it’s about the integrity of the game,” Arteta added. “VAR was introduced to bring clarity, not create confusion.”
The decision reignited debates about the use of technology in football and its impact on crucial outcomes. For Arsenal, it was a bitter pill to swallow as their title hopes took a hit. Meanwhile, calls for a review of VAR operations grow louder, with many urging better implementation and transparency it’s use.
