Was Arsenal’s Disallowed Goal a VAR Blunder? What Keith Hackett Reveals
The recent Premier League clash between Arsenal and Crystal Palace ended in controversy as Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli had a goal disallowed, leading to grave concerns over the effectiveness of VAR technology during critical match situations.
In a riveting match on April 24th, 2025, Arsenal initially took control with goals from Jakub Kiwior and Leandro Trossard, but the narrative shifted dramatically following Martinelli's disallowed strike in the second half. Referee Michael Salisbury, who had officiated well throughout the game, found himself at the centre of a decision that not only frustrated the Gunners but also sparked a chorus of calls for clarity on VAR procedures.
Martinelli appeared to have wrapped up the game for Arsenal by extending their lead to 3-1, only for the goal to be ruled out due to the ball allegedly going out of play beforehand. The Premier League’s official statement clarified that while Jurrien Timber was onside when assisting the goal, VAR ultimately deemed the play invalid due to the ball crossing the touchline.
In an exclusive commentary, former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett highlighted his discontent with the assistant referee's decision to promptly raise the offside flag, suggesting that it was a misjudgment. Hackett stated, "No one was looking at the goal line to determine the ball was out," which speaks volumes about the inconsistencies that can arise in officiating at such a high level. His remarks echoed the frustration of many who believe technology should eliminate these types of errors, not exacerbate them.
While Arsenal's disappointing draw – capped off by a late equaliser from Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta – has left them in a precarious position regarding their Premier League ambitions, the incident raises a broader question: is VAR truly living up to its purpose in modern football? Hackett's analysis suggests that rather than acting as a reliable safety net, the current VAR implementation might be leading to more confusion and disputes.
Arsenal, currently embroiled in a tight race for a Champions League spot, will need to move past this controversy as they prepare for their next fixtures. Mikel Arteta’s squad faces significant challenges ahead, including tough matches against top-tier teams such as Liverpool and Newcastle amid their European pursuits.
The Gunners' fans deserve their team to be evaluated with fairness and accuracy; they have suffered enough heartache from contentious refereeing decisions. The disallowed goal should serve as a catalyst for serious discussions about the future of VAR in England's top flight.
As Arsenal gears up for the next round of fixtures, the pressing question remains: can they shake off the frustrations of this draw and refocus their ambitions for the remainder of the season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
