Rabiu AminuPremier League Releases VAR Audio on Anthony Gordon’s Disallowed Goal Against Crystal PalaceIn a move aimed at increasing transparency amid growing scrutiny over officiating decisions, the Premier League has released the VAR audio from Newcastle United’s 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace on January 4, 2026. The focus is on the controversial disallowance of Anthony Gordon’s first-half goal, ruled out for an offside involving teammate Yoane Wissa. The incident, which occurred in the 19th minute at St. James’ Park, sparked heated debates among fans and pundits, with many questioning the tightness of the call.
The match saw Newcastle dominate early proceedings, but Gordon’s close-range tap-in was chalked off after a VAR review. Wissa, who joined Newcastle from Brentford in the summer transfer window for a reported £35 million, provided the assist but was deemed marginally offside. The goal would have given the Magpies a deserved lead, but instead, the score remained 0-0 at halftime. Newcastle eventually secured the win through second-half strikes from Bruno Guimaraes and Malick Thiaw, climbing to fifth in the table while deepening Palace’s relegation woes.
The released audio, made public by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) via the Premier League’s official website, reveals the step-by-step deliberation in the VAR hub. Here’s the full transcript:
Referee (on-field): “Goal, goal for Newcastle. No immediate flag.”
Assistant Referee 1: “Possible offside on the assist. Checking.”
VAR: “Delay, delay. Initiating check for offside on Wissa. Replay operator, give me the kick point.”
Replay Operator: “Kick point set. Drawing lines now.”
VAR: “Wissa’s shoulder is ahead of the last defender. It’s offside by a fraction—confirming image.”
Assistant VAR: “Agreed. Offside position, active in play. Interfering with the defender’s line.”
VAR: “Check complete. Recommendation: disallow the goal for offside.”
Referee: “Understood. Goal disallowed. Offside on the assist.”
Replay Operator: “Image frozen and confirmed. On-field decision overturned.”
The audio highlights the precision of semi-automated offside technology, which has been fully implemented this season, but also underscores the frustration over “armpit offsides.” Newcastle manager Eddie Howe post-match called it “harsh but by the rules,” while Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner admitted it was a “let-off” for his side.
Fans on social media erupted, with #VAR
Out trending briefly. Former referee Mark Clattenburg, commenting on Sky Sports, praised the release: “This builds trust. The call was correct, but margins like this fuel the debate on offside tolerance.”
The Premier League’s decision to release the audio follows similar actions in high-profile cases, such as Luis Diaz’s disallowed goal in 2023. PGMOL chief Howard Webb stated, “Transparency is key to maintaining faith in the game.” As VAR continues to evolve, incidents like this remind us of its double-edged sword: accuracy at the cost of flow.
With Newcastle pushing for European spots and Palace battling survival, this call might not define the season—but the audio ensures it’s not forgotten.
Mustapha Sheidu
Rabiu Aminu
Qudus Salihu
