Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta called the video assistant referee’s decision to allow Newcastle’s goal in their 1-0 win “embarrassing” and a “disgrace”.

Anthony Gordon bundled in the only goal with three VAR checks – to see if the ball went out of play, if there was a foul, and if there was an offside – all coming back in Newcastle’s favour. “I have to be here now to say it is not acceptable,” Arteta told Sky Sports, adding: “We didn’t deserve to lose the match. We lose the match because of the clear and obvious decisions. It’s embarrassing. A disgrace. That’s what it is – a disgrace.

“You cannot imagine the amount of messages I got saying this cannot continue. I am wasting my time. We are wasting our time. I don’t want to be in the hands of people.”

The Spaniard continued to BBC Sport: “It’s embarrassing what happened – how this goal stands, in the Premier League – this league we say is the best in the world. I’ve been 20 years in this country and now I feel ashamed. It’s a disgrace and there’s too much at stake here. We are trying to do incredible things and be at the highest level each week.

“The outcome is nowhere near the level this league needs to have. It’s not good enough. I feel embarrassed to be part of this.”