Arsenal v Brentford, Emirates Stadium, Gunners, Premier League
VAR official Lee Mason could be sacked after making a big mistake that cost Arsenal two points in their 1-1 draw at home to Brentford in the Premier League.
The Lowdown: Arsenal contacted
The PGMOL confirmed on Sunday afternoon that Chief Refereeing Officer Howard Webb has contacted Arsenal to ‘acknowledge and explain the significant errors’ made in the VAR process to allow Brentford’s equaliser to stand at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
They say that the decision to allow Ivan Toney’s goal to stand was down to ‘human error‘, after Mason forgot to draw the lines which would have seen a Brentford player offside in the build-up, and therefore the goal disallowed.
The Latest: Mason could be sacked
As per The Daily Mail, Webb is now considering sacking Mason after his fatal error, and it is thought that he reacted ‘incredulously’.
Webb has called all officials for an emergency meeting on Tuesday, after another VAR blunder that affected Brighton and Hove Albion in their 1-1 draw away at Crystal Palace.
The Verdict: Unacceptable
While the Gunners can accept the apology, the premise of the situation is still unacceptable.
Mason’s blunder cost Mikel Arteta‘s team two points, which could end up being crucial in the title race.
The draw allowed Manchester City to close the gap at the top of the table to just three points, after their 3-1 win at home to Aston Villa on Sunday.
With Pep Guardiola’s side set to visit the North Londoners on Wednesday night, the result has unnecessarily put more pressure on the hosts, and so more consequences are needed for officials when their mistakes ultimately end up costing teams points.
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