PGMOL’s Howard Webb compelled to issue VAR statement and make a major decision after Arsenal’s disallowed goal, as Martinelli believed he had secured a 3-2 win for the Gunners with a stunning strike.

PGMOL Forced to Release Statement After Controversial Arsenal Goal Disallowed; Drastic Decision Made Regarding Referee Chris Kavanagh

The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has been thrust into the spotlight following a contentious decision during Arsenal’s dramatic clash, where a stunning late effort from Gabriel Martinelli was ruled out after VAR intervention. Mikel Arteta’s men believed they had completed a thrilling comeback to make it 3-2, only for celebrations to be cut short by referee Chris Kavanagh’s decision, which sparked outrage among fans, pundits, and players alike.

The disallowed goal stemmed from an alleged foul in the buildup, but many felt the decision was harsh, with replays showing minimal contact. Social media erupted, demanding explanations from PGMOL, as Arsenal supporters and neutral observers voiced their frustration over the inconsistency of officiating standards.

In response to the backlash, PGMOL Chief Howard Webb was forced to release an official statement addressing the incident. The statement acknowledged that the decision-making process was reviewed internally and admitted that there were “elements of subjectivity” involved, fueling the controversy further. Webb emphasized PGMOL’s commitment to improving transparency and consistency with VAR decisions moving forward.

As a result of the fallout, a drastic decision has been made regarding referee Chris Kavanagh. Reports suggest he has been temporarily sidelined from officiating Premier League matches to allow for further review and feedback on his performance. While some have sympathized with Kavanagh, others argue that accountability is necessary for restoring confidence in the officiating system.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his disappointment after the match, stating, “We need consistency. These moments define games and seasons, and it’s heartbreaking for the players and fans.”

With PGMOL under mounting pressure to address broader concerns about officiating standards, this incident is likely to reignite the debate over VAR’s role in modern football. For now, Arsenal must regroup, while the focus remains firmly on how officials will handle the next controversial decision.