
Newcastle United believed they had taken the lead in their Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Arsenal on Wednesday night, but their celebration was cut short as VAR intervened and disallowed the goal.
Alexander Isak found the net, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside (Image: James Gill).
The EFL later issued a clarification following the controversial moment in Newcastle’s clash with Arsenal. Having already secured a 2-0 advantage from the first leg at the Emirates Stadium, the Magpies thought they had extended their lead early in the match.
Anthony Gordon showcased his skill with a clever assist, setting up Isak perfectly. The Swedish forward, calm and composed as always, finished clinically past David Raya, leaving the Arsenal goalkeeper helpless and igniting celebrations at St James’ Park.
However, the excitement was short-lived as VAR conducted a thorough review. Referee Simon Hooper ultimately informed the crowd that Isak had been in an offside position.
Replay footage confirmed that Isak’s shoulder had marginally gone beyond the last defender.
Hooper announced: “After review, the goalscorer, Newcastle’s number 14, is in an offside position. The restart is an indirect free-kick for offside,” as reported by Chronicle Live.
This marked only the second instance in English football where a referee directly addressed the stadium crowd, following Stuart Atwell’s precedent in Liverpool’s 1-0 defeat to Tottenham last month.
Commentator Gary Neville shared his reaction: “It’s the first time I’ve seen that live. Who’d be a referee?”
“VAR reviewed the incident, confirmed that Isak was in an offside position, and recommended that the goal be disallowed.”
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