ARSENAL fans raged after a VAR blunder referee was appointed for their crunch clash with Aston Villa.
The Gunners were left fuming on Saturday when Lee Mason failed to spot two offsides in the build-up to Brentford’s equaliser at the Emirates.
That goal saw Arsenal drop points for the fifth time this season.
But their anger only worsened when John Brooks was revealed as the fourth official for Saturday’s trip to Villa Park.
Like Mason, Brooks was at the centre of controversy when he was the VAR that disallowed Brighton a legitimate goal against Crystal Palace because the offside lines were drawn on the wrong defender.
Brooks – who reached the Premier League as an assistant before dropping back down the pyramid to do the same as a referee – was brought off VAR duties for the Merseyside derby and Arsenal’s home showdown with Manchester City this week.
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Now, barring a freak injury to Simon Hooper or either of the assistants, Brooks’ role this weekend will be limited to off-field matters including overseeing substitutes – and dealing with Mikel Arteta on the sideline.
Some Arsenal supporters, though, were unhappy Brooks was brought back into action so soon – while others felt the reaction to his mistake has been exaggerated.
One fan said: “Dropped this weekend and then will be back. Same ole carousel of rubbish.”
Another wrote: “Those precious two points dropped could cause Arsenal the league. He should be suspended or completely banned from VAR.”
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And a third added: “Well hopefully he knows how to operate the subs board and doesn’t put up the wrong numbers.”
But another user commented: “That’s amazing… massive mistake on Saturday, dropped for a game on Monday and Wednesday but back to work Saturday… this punishment seems a bit over the top.”
One of the Premier League’s – and the world’s – best officials is in charge when Arsenal host City tomorrow, with Anthony Taylor the man in the middle for the top-of-the-table contest.
But Arteta is still reeling from the decision against Brentford.
The Spaniard said: “I will only be satisfied if they give me the two points back which is not going to be the case.
“I appreciate what I think were really sincere, open and genuine apologies and explanations which is really good.
“But it doesn’t change the fact that we have two points less on the table.
“Everybody makes mistakes, and we are part of that, the first one being myself. But that was something else.
“I wasn’t having it, the club weren’t having it and I think it’s clear the consequences of what happened.
“It’s not for me to judge. It’s not about someone making a mistake and then let’s crucify him.
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“It’s trying to do the best that we can together to have a fairer sport and make the decisions clearer and better.
“Hopefully that will help because of what happened last weekend.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
