Newcastle United have condemned the racist abuse sent to Joe Willock and Bruno Guimaraes on social media following their 1-0 win over Arsenal on Saturday evening.
Willock was responsible for keeping the ball in play before crossing for the only goal of the match, while Guimaraes was arguably lucky to avoid a red elbow on Jorginho in the first half.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was vocal in his criticism after the match, but it now appears some people crossed the line with their anger directed at Newcastle players on social media platforms.
The Magpies posted on X (formerly Twitter): ‘Newcastle United strongly condemns the racist abuse sent to Bruno Guimarães and Joe Willock via social media following yesterday’s win over Arsenal.
‘Our message is clear. There is no room for racism in football and in society.’
Newcastle United have condemned racist abuse sent to two of their players on social media
Joe Willock (L) and Bruno Guimaraes (R) were targeted on social media after Newcastle beat Arsenal 1-0 on Saturday night
The VAR checked whether Willock managed to keep the ball in play for the only goal
On the Newcastle website the club added: ‘We are offering support to Bruno and Joe and will work with the relevant authorities and social media platforms to identify those responsible so they can be held to account.’
In the first half, Guimaraes appeared to elbow Jorginho, but the incident was missed by referee Stuart Attwell.
There was more controversy in the second half when Joelinton appeared to foul Gabriel in the build-up to Anthony Gordon’s winner.
The VAR team analyzed the incident and ruled that Joelinton had not committed a foul and ruled that Gordon was on the sidelines, ultimately ruling in favor of the on-field decision, which was a goal.
It also ruled that Willock had kept the ball in play at the other end, although video angles confirmed it was an extremely tight call.
The complicated nature of the incident and the various elements being analyzed have led to claims that this may be the most complicated VAR check ever carried out.
Arteta protested after the match, saying: ‘How on earth did this goal stand? It’s unbelievable. I am ashamed. It is an absolute shame that this is allowed. It is not a goal for many reasons.”
However, not everyone agreed. By talking Xformerly known as Twitter, Neville wrote: ‘I thought the decision for the Newcastle goal was right.
‘The ball out was inconclusive at best, certainly not a mistake for me and if VAR cannot prove offside then the decision should stand on the pitch.’
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was outspoken in his criticism after the 1-0 defeat at Newcastle
beIN SPORTS showed an image that they claimed was proof that the ball had not gone out of play
The incident was also discussed by Richard Keys and Andy Gray on beIN SPORTS.
The broadcaster showed an image that appeared to show the ball remaining in play in the build-up to the goal, although Keys admitted this was not entirely convincing.
Speaking on beIN SPORTS, Gray said the ball was: ‘A slide in.’
Keys ten said, “They would be right in saying that we had no definitive angle that would prove conclusively whether the ball was in or out.”
