WHAT'S BUZZIN

'Just give us our two points' - Arsenal fans react to PGMOL's apology over controversial Brentford equaliser

David Ben 16:35 - 13 February 2023

Gunners' fans are still furious over Brentford's equaliser against Arsenal in the Premier League over the weekend, despite an apology from the Professional Game Match Officials.

Arsenal were dealt a soft blow in the title race this season after going two Premier League games without a victory for the first time this season.

Mikel Arteta’s men fell to a shock defeat away at Everton a week ago, before dropping points at the Emirates to Brentford after being held to a 1-1 draw by Thomas Frank's side.

In an encounter that has since been marred by controversy after it emerged that VAR official Lee Mason made a glaring error during the check on Ivan Toney's late equaliser.

Christian Norgaard was in an offside position when he assisted Toney’s header, but Mason forgot to draw the relevant lines and as a result the goal was wrongly allowed to stand, allowing defending champions Man City close the gap on the Londoners to three points following their 3-1 win against Aston Villa on Sunday.

PGMOL issue apology over Brentford equaliser

VAR official Lee Mason is the subject of controversy following Brentford's equaliser against Arsenal on Saturday in the Premier League.

The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) had confirmed they were "thoroughly reviewing" the errors that led to Ivan Toney's goal being allowed to stand, as well as Crystal Palace's wrongly disallowed goal against Brighton.

Both the Gunners and the Seagulls have been contacted by referees chief Howard Webb and a statement from the group has since been released.

"PGMOL can confirm its Chief Refereeing Officer Howard Webb has contacted both Arsenal and Brighton to acknowledge and explain the significant errors in the VAR process in their respective Premier League fixtures on Saturday.

PGMOL can confirm its Chief Refereeing Officer Howard Webb has contacted both Arsenal and Brighton & Hove Albion to acknowledge and explain the significant errors in the VAR process in their respective Premier League fixtures on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/dCDkooxhxf
— PGMOL (@FA_PGMOL) February 12, 2023

"Both incidents, which were due to human error and related to the analysis of offside situations, are being thoroughly reviewed by PGMOL." the statement read.

🚨| The PGMOL has confirmed its Chief Refereeing Officer Howard Webb has contacted both Arsenal and Brighton & Hove Albion to acknowledge and explain the significant errors in the VAR process in their respective Premier League fixtures on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/fdWhvlG2PK
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) February 12, 2023

Social Media Reactions to PGMOL statement

However, despite the statement from the professional body, Arsenal fans are still furious after they were denied crucial points in the title race.

Here’s how the Gunners fans have reacted on social media:

Lee Mason was on VAR duties at Old Trafford when Martineli's goal was wrongfully disallowed. PGMOL apologized. He was again in charge when Brentford's offside goal was allowed to stand. PGMOL apologized. We don't need useless apologies.
— WelBeast (@WelBeast) February 13, 2023

No team has taken more points from Arsenal (5), than Ref Lee Mason🤝 pic.twitter.com/B9RuD0k6OA
— UpYourArsenal🔴⚪🔴⚪♥️ (@UPYOURARSENAL04) February 13, 2023

Forget fines. Forget suspensions. When #PGMOL admits to errors & then distribute apologies to teams, there is only one solution. Games HAVE to be replayed. The apologies are beyond unacceptable. #PremierLeague pic.twitter.com/mX98472mpi
— Sophie Nicolaou (@soccerdiva) February 12, 2023

There's no apologies or excuses from @FA_PGMOL that can repair the damage of Mason's corruption.

There will be no justice served, but it would be a little poetic if Mason's hate for Arsenal ended up costing him his job. pic.twitter.com/TJOJWGjdU2
— 🇳🇴 kimmoAFC (@kimmoAFC) February 13, 2023

"PGMOL" is such an ugly initialism. Professional Game Match Officials Limited? Absolutely no reason for "Game" to be in there. "Limited"? You can say that again!!!
— Michael Cox (@Zonal_Marking) February 13, 2023

Some facts for @FA_PGMOL

Every game where Arsenal have dropped points is because of officiating errors

No errors in our favour

There are no officials from South East

Arsenal have been awarded just 1 penalty all season

Lee Mason missed 3 offence’s for Brentford’s goal
— Darren (@SouthWestAFC) February 13, 2023

Lee Mason was on VAR duties at Old Trafford when Martineli's goal was wrongfully disallowed. PGMOL apologized. He was again in charge when Brentford's offside goal was allowed to stand. PGMOL apologized.

We don't need useless apologies. pic.twitter.com/fguFMFEhXY
— AllanMajik (Gooner 🔴) (@allanmajik) February 13, 2023

How? Ask the @FA_PGMOL. They should be investigated that entire organisation. pic.twitter.com/0nTm3WG8GU
— Leo Dasilva (@SirLeoBDasilva) February 12, 2023

The uproar, PGMOL meeting and calls to sack VAR Lee Mason coz one wrong VAR decision didn't favour Arsenal while the blatant handball penalty decision against Chelsea was deemed subjective. Corrupt PL agenda is obvious. I'm all for City to win the league. Come on Pep! #CFC
— ChelseaFC & I (@Rupeshams) February 13, 2023