EPL Release VAR Audio of Controversial Anthony Gordon Goal in Newcastle United vs Arsenal

• The referees' body has released the VAR audio from the contentious Newcastle versus Arsenal tie
• Anthony Gordon's goal was allowed to stand after surviving multiple VAR checks at St. James Park
• The body has also given explanations for other incidents like Christian Romero's red against Chelsea

The English Premier League, through refereeing body Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), has released the audio of the controversial Anthony Gordon goal against Arsenal on November 4.

Gordon's goal at St. James Park survived a triple VAR check to stand, much to the frustration of Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, who branded the decision as 'embarrassing'.

"It is embarrassing. It is a disgrace, that is what it is, a disgrace," he said at the time as quoted by Eurosport.

The Premier League, through its new segment called Match Officials: Mic'd Up, has now released the audio of how some of the decisions in the last four weeks were arrived at.

Mikel Arteta: Arsenal coach lashes out at VAR after controversial Newcastle decision

Football

Why Gordon's goal was awarded

PGMOL's chief operating officer, Howard Webb was put to task by former striker, Michael Owen to walk the audience through the various decisions.

The first bone of contention was whether the ball had crossed the line before Joe Willock floated it back into the Arsenal area.

"We see the ball getting very close to the goal line. Don't forget we've got an assistant referee who was right in line. The ball does not have a lot of pace as it goes to the goal line, so he is looking right along the goal line, better than any of our cameras," said Webb.

Afterwards, the VAR checked whether Joelinton had fouled Gabriel Magalhaes or whether he handled the ball before it fell to Gordon.

Finally, Gordon's position when he received the ball was put through a forensic analysis to determine whether he was onside.

Here is the audio of how the officials dissected the multiple VAR checks before confirming it as a goal, as there was no conclusive evidence to disallow it:

New camera angle shows ball did not go out of play during Newcastle vs Arsenal clash

Football

What offside technology does the VAR currently use?

As previously explained by Sports Brief, officials use hawkeye virtual offside line technology to arrive at decisions. This is broken down into the gridline and the crosshair.

The former is straightforward, with a line being drawn at the last defender. Any opposing player who is over the line and headed towards the goal is deemed as offside.

But at times, the gridline fails to outrightly differentiate whether the attacking player is over the gridline or in a perfect and legal position to play the ball - enter the crosshair.