Italy: Jorginho reacts to ‘unacceptable’ VAR decisions in Arsenal defeat

Rome: Italy international Jorginho is ‘proud’ of his teammates but believes VAR decisions in Newcastle-Arsenal were ‘unacceptable.’

Jorginho started at St. James’ Park on Saturday, but could not avoid Arsenal’s first defeat this season against Newcastle.

Anthony Gordon scored a controversial winner in the second half with VAR checking on three different incidents in the build-up. However, there was no proof the ball had gone out of play before Joe Willock crossed it and, likewise, Gordon was not judged offside and VAR confirmed Joelinton had not committed a foul on Arsenal defender Gabriel.

The Gunners’ coach Mikel Arteta was furious after the game and said VAR and referee’s decisions were “a disgrace.”

Arsenal also complained about a possible red card to Bruno Guimarães for a challenge on Jorginho but once again their appeals were unheard.

The Italian midfielder broke his silence on social media on Sunday.

“Proud of the team. Unacceptable what happened though. But we keep fighting,” Jorginho, a former Napoli and Hellas Verona midfielder wrote on Instagram.

The 31-year-old was not called up by Luciano Spalletti in September and October, but the Azzurri boss may give ‘Jorgi’ a chance this month for key games against North Macedonia and Ukraine.