Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe fires back at Mikel Arteta’s explosive VAR rant

NEWCASTLE: Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has fired back at Mikel Arteta over his astonishing VAR rant at St. James’ Park.

A solitary Anthony Gordon goal was the difference as the Magpies beat the Gunners to close the gap in the Premier League top four. And while it was no day for footballing brilliance — it was definitely one for the purists — refereeing calls dominated the post-match talk, particularly for Spaniard Arteta.

A potential red card for Kai Havertz was the first major talking point, as referee Stuart Atwell reached for yellow and even booked Sean Longstaff for dissent, despite the Newcastle midfielder almost being on the end of a leg-breaker from the German. The second big call was overlooking a potential Bruno Guimaraes red card for violent conduct, and then the goal itself was checked for three possible infringements — out of play, foul and offside — before eventually being given.

Arteta raged: “You look at the images, and I don’t know how to feel. I am wasting my time. We are wasting our time. I don’t want to be in the hands of people. It is difficult enough to compete against this really good team. The way we play, the way we compete, it is embarrassing. There is too much at stake.

“We have to talk about the result and talk about how the hell this goal stands. I feel embarrassed, I have to be the one to come in here and defend the club and ask for help because it is a disgrace that this goal is allowed.”

Howe preferred to focus on the Havertz red card as he followed enraged Arteta into the Newcastle press room.

He said: “We were close to the incident. I thought it was high and potentially dangerous. He was lucky to get a yellow. There (were) a lot of yellow cards, and I don’t think there