'I've got no conclusive evidence' - PGMOL release VAR audio from controversial Anthony Gordon goal against Arsenal in Newcastle defeat that led to Mikel Arteta refereeing rant

The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has released the full conversation that took place to review Anthony Gordon's winning goal in the November 4 match. The strike proved controversial as there was a suspicion that the ball had gone out of play before it was sent into the box, while there were also claims of a foul and an offside.

The released audio reveals the conversation that took place between the referee, VAR and assistant VAR as they reviewed the replay.

VAR Andy Madley said that he could find "no conclusive evidence" that the ball had crossed the line before Joe Willock's cross. He then reviewed the possible foul on Gabriel Magalhaes, saying: "I don’t see a specific foul on Gabriel. I see two hands on his back but I don’t see anything of a push that warrants him flying forward like that."

Regarding the possible offside, AVAR Stuart Burt concluded: "I don’t know where the ball is because the ball is being hidden from Joelinton here. So you don’t know where the ball is. And you’ve got no conclusive evidence of Gordon being ahead of the ball. So with the reverse angle that you’ve got, you have not got any opportunity there of where the ball is. With that in my opinion I think you have to award the goal on the evidence."

The decision to let the goal stand sparked an angry reaction from Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta in his post-match press conference. He said: "Embarrassing what happened - how this goal stands, in the Premier League - this league we say is the best in the world. I've been 20 years in this country and now I feel ashamed. It's a disgrace and there's too much at stake here."

However, a Premier League panel ruled that the decision to let the goal stand was the correct one.

Now that the audio has been released, Gunners boss Arteta will likely be asked for his reaction the next time he faces the media, as will Newcastle manager Eddie Howe. Arsenal's next match is against Brentford on November 25, the day after Newcastle meet Chelsea.