Arsenal and Brighton contacted by PGMOL after VAR didn’t fully investigate offside calls

The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) have admitted two "significant errors" with VAR decisions surrounding Arsenal and Brighton's Premier League matches on Saturday afternoon.

Arsenal played out a 1-1 draw with Brentford at Emirates Stadium after Ivan Toney equalised for the away side in the second half, a goal which was subsequently reviewed for a possible offside in the build-up.

“Yes, I just looked it back and it is offside yeah.” said Gunners boss Mikel Arteta after the game.

“It is [frustrating] but probably they will give an explanation later in the week but today we haven’t got any, looking at the images, you have to apply certain principles in defending and you do that by sticking to the rules and suddenly you apply different rules you have to change your principles.

“Tell us before because then you don’t hide the line that high because you are always going to have an advantage if you get blocked.”

It has since emerged that VAR official Lee Mason failed to identify Christian Norgaard who had came back from an offiside position before assisting Toney for Brentford’s equaliser.

Mason had previously disallowed Gabriel Martinelli’s goal against Manchester United in September, which was later ruled by an independent assessment panel to be an incorrect decision.

A statement read:

“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.”

The result leaves Arsenal six points off current champions Manchester City before Wednesday's Premier League title clash in north London.

Brighton & Hove Albion were another recipient of an incorrect VAR decision in their 1-1 draw at rivals Crystal Palace on Saturday, as Pervis Estupinan's goal was ruled out for offside.

It is understood that the offside line was placed in the wrong position by VAR John Brooks and the Hawk-Eye technology, with PGMOL chief Howard Webb explaining the failed process to Brighton on Sunday.

Webb recently revealed that he wants to 'increase transparency' around VAR in the Premier League with suggestions that conversations between referees and VARs could be made available to fans in the future.