Source:REUTERS/Scott Heppell
[Saba Sports News] According to UK media reports, the referee for the Arsenal vs. Newcastle match broke the rules because he forgot to turn off his microphone. It is reported that during Arsenal’s recent win over Newcastle, the match referee, Jarred Gillett, violated regulations. Some Arsenal fans overheard conversations between Gillett and Bukayo Saka through the stadium’s public address system because the referee’s microphone was left on. These conversations absolutely should not have been heard by fans in the stadium or TV viewers. After a coming together between Viktor Gyokeres and Nick Pope, Gillett initially awarded a penalty. Following a VAR review, Gillett ultimately overturned the penalty decision because, although Pope collided with Gyokeres, the goalkeeper had touched the ball first. Gillett explained to the crowd: “After review, the Newcastle goalkeeper played the ball, no foul. The restart is a dropped ball.” However, Gillett’s subsequent conversation with Saka was then heard, where he said: “The ‘keeper touches the ball before any contact occurs. That’s the reason.” For many, this additional information would have been helpful when Gillett was explaining the decision, but this action is not permitted by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL).