DUTCH TELEVISION has shown an optical illusion that could potentially clear up the debate over Newcastle’s controversial winning goal against Arsenal.
The Gunners and boss Mikel Arteta was left incensed after they were on the end of several much-disputed decisions during their 1-0 loss to the Magpies on Saturday.
Spaniard Arteta made it clear that he felt Anthony Gordon's goal should not have stood after questions were raised about the ball going out of play in the build up to the goal.
Replays were assessed at Stockley Park as VAR refs checked whether the ball had gone out before Joe Willock regained possession.
It appeared to cross the touchline before it was crossed back into the North Londoners' penalty area.
VAR ultimately deemed there was no clear angle to show whether or not the ball went out before Willock's cross.
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That was as well as a potential offside and a foul on Gabriel Magalhaes by Joelinton.
That goal was eventually awarded after a five-minute check with Arteta describing VAR as an “absolute disgrace” afterwards while claiming to be “ashamed” at the standard of Premier League officiating.
Then his club released a defiant statement backing his brutal blast yesterday while calling on referees to up their game.
However, shock new footage appeared to show that the ball did stay ON the pitch before Newcastle's winner to settle one argument.
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Goalline footage from beIN SPORTS appeared to agree with the officials and showed that a tiny sliver of the ball was still on the line and was correctly considered to be in play before Newcastle hit the back of the net.
Now Dutch TV has shown the above optical illusion that appears to show, to the naked eye, that the ball is out of play.
However, upon closer inspection it backs up the beIN SPORTS evidence and shows that a tiny bit of the football has still not crossed the line.
A similar incident to this occurred back at the World Cup in December in Japan's win over Spain that knocked Germany out.
Die Mannschaft fans were left furious after the controversial call sent them packing after Ao Tanaka completed a remarkable comeback.
The cross which led to his goal looked from some angles to have crossed the line, although technology proved that it had been kept in play by just a few millimetres before Kaoru Mitoma pulled it back for his team-mate to tap in.
Pictures appeared to show that the ball was over – but Fifa released goalline footage to show that it had stayed in by millimetres.
Arsenal’s explosive statement yesterday read: “Arsenal Football Club wholeheartedly supports Mikel Arteta’s post-match comments after yet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors on Saturday evening.
“We’d also like to acknowledge the huge effort and performance from our players and travelling supporters at St James’ Park.
“The Premier League is the best league in the world with the best players, coaches and supporters, all of whom deserve better.
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“PGMOL urgently needs to address the standard of officiating and focus on action which moves us all on from retrospective analysis, attempted explanations and apologies.
“We support the ongoing efforts of Chief Refereeing Officer, Howard Webb and would welcome working together to achieve the world-class officiating standards our league demands.”
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