‘Absolute disgrace!’ Fan fury erupts after Arsenal’s late winner against Newcastle United

Last Updated on 29 September 2025

Nick Woltemade’s 34th minute header at St James Park gave Newcastle an early lead against the Gunners.

But a late comeback from Arsenal saw them claim all three points in dramatic fashion.

Mikel Merino headed in the equaliser, six minutes from regulation, after coming off the bench.

While Newcastle United fans had their hearts broken right at the death. Martin Odegaard, another sub off the bench, swung in the perfect corner which was headed in by Gabriel in the 96th minute.

VAR controversy overshadows a thriller at St James Park

Amidst all the on-field drama and late heroics from Arsenal, VAR was central to yet another Premier League game, this season.

Early in the game, Arsenal fans felt hard done by VAR when it denied, what looked like a clear penalty, on Viktor Gyokeres.

The referee was sent to the monitor by VAR and he overturned his original decision, pointing out that Nick Pope got a hand to the ball.

There was also an off the ball incident later when Gabriel shoved Woltemade’s face away.

It wasn’t even looked at by the VAR, much to the dismay of the Toon army.

Les Ferdinand and Jamie Redknapp on Sky Sports called it silly and believed if Woltemade had gone down, it would’ve been a red card.

Then again, later in the game, the VAR did not award Newcastle a penalty. Once again, it was Gabriel at the scene of the crime, with the ball hitting his arm in stoppage time.

That happened just before Gabriel scored the winner for Arsenal and it left Newcastle fans fuming.

Newcastle fans demand answers following another late defeat at home

A lot of Newcastle fans called for Gabriel to be suspended for violent conduct.

Others questioned the ‘dark arts’ that Mikel Arteta looks to employ and whether it’s gone too far.

There was also a lot of debate about the handball rules regarding Gabriel’s late incident in the penalty box. It did strike his arm but it was a deflection.

So, some fans brought out the rule book.

Ultimately, Arsenal got away with one, and Newcastle fans definitely feel hard done after a mixed start to their 2025/26 season.