A FURIOUS Mikel Arteta claimed he was “embarrassed” by the decision to award Newcastle United’s winning goal in their 1-0 victory over Arsenal, branding the incident an “absolute disgrace”.

Anthony Gordon’s 64th-minute strike was allowed to stand despite three separate VAR checks after referee Stuart Attwell was awarded on the field.

The ball was close to being out when Joe Willock crossed from close to the corner flag, Joelinton had his hands on Gabriel as the pair clashed close to the goalline and Gordon appeared to be in an offside position when he scored from close range. However, it was hard to tell whether the final touch came from Joelinton or Gabriel before it fell to Gordon.

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It took around five minutes before the goal was eventually awarded, but Arteta clearly felt the effort should have been ruled out.

The Arsenal boss said: “How the hell does this goal stand? It’s absolutely incredible. I feel embarrassed. It’s an absolute disgrace that this goal is allowed to stand – an absolute disgrace.

“It was not a goal for many reasons, for more than one at least. I have been in this country for 20 years, and this is not the level that is needed. It is an absolute disgrace.

“I don’t know what they say, but it is too late. It is not a goal – there were things that are not allowed in football. They are not allowed here, in China, in Japan, in Spain, in Portugal. There is too much at stake – it is embarrassing.”