Mark Clattenburg Slams VAR After Arsenal’s Controversial Goal vs Manchester United
Arsenal may have secured a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford but the result has been overshadowed by dispute.
Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has strongly criticised the decision that allowed the Gunners’ winning goal to stand, reigniting the debate over VAR consistency in English football.
Instead of celebrating Riccardo Calafiori’s match-winning strike, much of the focus has shifted to the officials and the contentious call that decided the game.
Clattenburg argued that William Saliba appeared to foul Mason Mount, disrupting United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir during the buildup.
He believes the Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOL), along with VAR, failed to apply their own updated guidelines on holding and shirt-pulling inside the box, an issue PGMOL chief Howard Webb promised would face stricter punishment this season.
Although Manchester United suffered defeat against Arsenal, there were clear positives for Ruben Amorim’s side.
The Red Devils looked far more dangerous in attack compared to last season, creating more opportunities in their Premier League opener than they managed across several weeks previously.
New signings Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha impressed with energetic performance, lifting fans’ spirits that United’s attacking play is coming together.
Eyes are now on their next clash with Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday, August 24, where fans are hoping to see more development, meanwhile, the VAR drama in English football is dominating headlines.
The decision to allow Arsenal’s winning goal has reignited a review of consistency in Premier League officiating and raised questions about whether technology is truly improving fairness in the game.
Amid growing concerns from fans, the continuing discussion over refereeing quality is expected to dominate headlines throughout the season.
IMPACTOTRENDING’S VIEWS
Although Arsenal walked away with all three points, the real headline is the VAR controversy surrounding their winning goal.
For Manchester United supporters, there were positives to take and Ruben Amorim’s side showed a much sharper and more dynamic attack.
But the more pressing issue remains: can Premier League officials and the PGMOL be relied upon to ensure uniformity and impartiality?
As scrutiny intensifies, England’s football authority must demonstrate its ability to preserve the integrity of match officiating.
At ImpactoTrending, we take a bigger view beyond United’s loss. The key question is whether VAR in the Premier League is truly functioning as intended, unless refereeing qualities are elevated.
The unrelenting review of fairness and fan trust will continue to shape the environment of English football well beyond the final whistle.
