Former referee calls for VAR change after Arsenal beat Spurs | OneFootball

Arsenal’s gripping 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the North London derby has reignited debates surrounding VAR, particularly after former referee Keith Hackett criticised the decision to award Arsenal a corner that led to their equaliser.

Hackett’s suggestion that VAR should be expanded to review corner-kick decisions has sparked backlash, with Arsenal fans expressing their frustration over what they see as selective outrage whenever the Gunners benefit from contentious calls.

Change rules to let video referees help with corners The Daily Telegraph 16 Jan 2025 Keith Hackett

Hackett argued that the current VAR remit—limited to goals, penalties, direct red cards, and mistaken identity—should include the ability to correct incorrect corner-kick decisions. “An unofficial whisper in the ear from VAR, which might have assisted Hooper on this occasion,” Hackett wrote, referencing replays that showed Leandro Trossard had the final touch before the ball went out of play.

Arsenal supporters, however, were quick to lampoon the idea, pointing out the glaring inconsistency in how scrutiny is applied to their matches.

On social media, fans sarcastically proposed increasingly absurd rule changes. “I’m just waiting for them to make scoring from corners illegal,” posted Brian Poplar, while Danny quipped, “Round pitches it is next year then—no more corners, Arsenal are too good at them.”

Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Another fan, @ArseVengers, mocked the logistical chaos of Hackett’s suggestion: “Guess we’re all waiting patiently for that PGMOL announcement that VAR are going to analyse every corner and throw-in from now on. 120-minute football games YAY.”

The controversy also evoked memories of a similar incident during Arsenal’s match against Newcastle last season, where debates raged over whether the ball had crossed the byline before a decisive goal. “Remember last year in Newcastle where the media spent weeks forensically examining the ball shape and the line using AI and graphics?” wrote @gooner63. “Can’t make this sh*te up.”

Fans such as @Goonernation expressed the broader sentiment: “Change the rules because of something that happened, that happens a lot but may have benefited Arsenal this time and should now be seen as a huge issue.”

Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta declined to comment on the controversy, instead focusing on his team’s performance. “ I’m very proud of the team, I think we were sensational. I think it was a good test to see after two big performances and not getting rewarded in two different competitions.

“You have to play the biggest game of the season for our people in those conditions, and it’s a test of attitude. You know what we are made of, the courage that we have, how much we really care only about a result or the performance and how much we can do in terms of what is required in the game to be better than the opposition.

” I think we played from the minute one to hurt them with or without the ball. I think we fully deserve to win the game. I think we made a lot of people very happy, but especially very proud to see a team that behaves in the manner that they have played to it again.

While Hackett’s proposal may not gain traction, the heated responses highlight a recurring theme: when Arsenal succeed, it often becomes a flashpoint for scrutiny and calls for change.

For Arteta and his squad, however, the focus remains firmly on sustaining their title challenge, regardless of the noise surrounding their victories.