Mikel Arteta claims VAR mistakes were not down to 'human error'

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has criticised Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL)’s claim that VAR errors during two games on Saturday, including the Gunners’ draw with Brentford, were due to ‘human error’.

VAR official Lee Mason did not use the right line on the system to analyse a potential offside call for a Brentford goal which was ultimately allowed to stand and, with the game finishing 1-1, ultimately cost Arsenal two points.

PGMOL have apologised to both Arsenal and Brighton, who were also on the wrong end of a poor VAR call, with the refereeing body stating both calls were made out of ‘human error’.

Asked for his feelings towards the response, Arteta said: “We ended the game with a huge anger because that wasn’t a human error, that was a big not understanding your job, and that’s not acceptable. That costs Arsenal two points.

“We appreciate the apology and the explanation at the same time. That’s it. We have to move on. That has made the players, staff and our fans stronger to pass this hurdle that they put on us.”

Despite PGMOL’s efforts to apologise for the mistakes, Arteta insisted there was only one way he would be satisfied with the response.

“I will only be satisfied if they give me the two points back which is not going to be the case,” he added.

“That was the reaction straight away from everybody. We can’t do anything about it. Don’t use it as an excuse.”

Referee chief Howard Webb called all Premier League referees, assistants and VAR officials to an emergency meeting following the costly mistakes in an attempt to ensure such errors do not happy again.

Mason has since not been allocated a fixture for the upcoming round of Premier League matches, as was the case earlier this season after another costly error in September’s meeting between Newcastle and Crystal Palace.