Gabriel Martinelli. (Getty)
Pundit Kevin Campbell has been reacting to an update regarding Arsenal’s first goal against Liverpool on Sunday, Football Insider report.
The Lowdown: VAR controversy
The Gunners ran out 3-2 winners at the Emirates on Sunday against Jurgen Klopp’s side, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring the first goal of the afternoon inside the first minute.
There was a VAR check to see whether or not Bukayo Saka was offside in the build-up, with the goal eventually getting the green light.
However, the Liverpool Echo reported earlier in the week that the opening goal was actually unable to be checked by VAR due to a technical issue. VAR officials Darren England and Eddie Smart were unable to draw the virtual lines needed to make an accurate decision, because none of the five sets of Hawk-Eye cameras covered Saka’s position.
The Latest: Campbell’s comments
Campbell, former Gunner who now works for Sky Sports, was talking to FI regarding the update, labelling it as ‘crazy’.
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“There were no 50ps to put in the metre!
“Look, I do not know what is going on or how that has happened. It is crazy. The thing is, even when VAR does work it gets the decisions wrong.
“It was a very tight call though. I do not think Saka was gaining an advantage even if he was a toe offside.
“We pay all of this money for the technology and it does not work or it is used incorrectly by the officials.”
The Verdict: Rub of the green
It did look like a tight call with Saka coming back from an offside position, so it’s nice to see that the Gunners got the rub of the green on Sunday.
Mikel Arteta’s side have begun the season in fine form and once again found a way to win after being pegged back twice by the Reds.
Yes, as Campbell mentions, it’s rather worrying that the technology was unable to make a definitive call, but you won’t hear many complaints from Gunners supporters, who will be hoping to continue their excellent league form against Leeds United on Sunday.
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