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16th May 2024
10:34am BST
Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon was on the verge of losing it during an angry rant about VAR after their 3-2 loss at Manchester United.
Going into the game, Newcastle knew that a draw would've been enough to secure European football but United's win ensures that the Europa League and Conference League battle will go down to the final day.
As is customary in the Premier League, VAR was at the centre of controversy as Newcastle weren't awarded a penalty when Casemiro and Sofyan Amrabat tangled with Gordon in the area.
No penalty was given however replays showed that the winger's achilles had clearly been caught, leaving his sock visibly cut.
The timing of the controversy comes in a week where it was announced that Premier League clubs would vote on the possibility of scrapping VAR and Gordon is one of those that will certainly be calling for it to go.
In a passionate post-match rant he said: "I've watched the incident back - it's a clear penalty. I don't mind the referee getting it wrong on the pitch, because it's a difficult decision. Things happen really quickly.
"But what is the point of VAR then? It's there to correct mistakes. He [Amrabat] goes down my Achilles and pushes me in the back. Then Casemiro gets the ball, but it's two fouls before that. I honestly don't see the point in it.
"I knew straight away [Casemiro didn't foul, but Amrabat did]. That's why I didn't appeal. I thought, I don't mind the refere not giving it, because it's fast. I'll wait for the VAR to check. You can see me telling my team-mates, 'Don't worry, it's a penalty'.
"Then we carried on. I was just like, I've got a hole in my sock, so how can it be possible? I just don't get the point of it."
"I don't understand what the point of VAR is then" 😳
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 15, 2024
Anthony Gordon vents over VAR and it's decision to not give Newcastle a penalty ❌ pic.twitter.com/al4CCooNds
Newcastle travel to Brentford on the final day of the season knowing they can still overtake Chelsea to finish sixth on goal difference.
United go to Brighton but need to win and hope Newcastle do not defeat Brentford to secure seventh spot and Europa Conference League qualification, as they will not be able to overturn Chelsea's far superior goal difference.
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