Newcastle Weren’t Given Penalty For Gabriel Handball – Premier League Explain Why

The away section of St James’ Park was sent into raptures after Gabriel Magalhaes’ last-gasp header saw Arsenal complete a terrific comeback on Sunday afternoon, but many believed the Brazilian was lucky not to give away a penalty in the 85th minute after Anthony Elanga’s cross combined with his arm in the box. Why Jarred Gillett’s decision of no penalty was checked and confirmed by VAR has now been revealed.

Newcastle United summer addition Nick Woltemade rose highest in the Arsenal box in the 34th minute to give the home side the lead before the north Londoners prodded again and again in search of an equaliser. That came courtesy of Mikel Merino, whose wonderfully-guided header from Declan Rice’s teasing cross caught Nick Pope off guard.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Arsenal, after beating Newcastle, have now scored 36 goals from corners in the Premier League since the start of 2023/24 – that’s now 15 more than any other side in that timeframe.

Gabriel, in the 96th minute, was on hand to nod the winner home. Alongside a sea of red shirts, the central defender wheeled away near the corner flag while shushing the crowd – but can he count himself lucky for not giving away a penalty some ten minutes earlier? Those of a Newcastle persuasion will argue that he was, and the Premier League have now released a statement regarding the incident.

Why Gabriel’s Handball Didn’t Result in a Newcastle Penalty

gabriel magalhaes arsenal

After Arteta’s utility man Merino had levelled proceedings for the Gunners six minutes shy of the final whistle, controversy struck up the other end. Newcastle winger Elanga, in an attempt to cross the ball to his awaiting teammates, found himself pleading with Gillett after Gabriel handled the ball.

The referee, who had overturned an Arsenal penalty earlier in the all-crucial match-up, waved away claims that Eddie Howe’s men should have been given the chance to regain their one-goal lead from the penalty spot. Those at Stockley Park were called but they double-downed on Gillett’s decision not to award a spot kick.

That’s because the ball was deemed to have deflected off Gabriel’s shin and onto his arm – and so, despite his arm being in a rather unnatural position, the Brazilian was, in the eyes of VAR, unable to pull his arm away. Taking to X (formerly Twitter) to explain the decision, the Premier League Match Centre wrote:

“NEWARS – 85′. The referee’s call of no penalty was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the ball deemed to have deflected off Gabriel’s shin and onto his arm.”

Those connected to the hosts – from the Toon Army to Howe and Co – will feel hard done by given the ball connects with Gabriel’s arm after Elanga attempted to find an open teammate in the middle. Arsenal fans, especially as the defender went on to bag the winner to wrap up September with a victory, will be jumping with joy at the decision.

Up next for Arteta and his men, who are now two points off table-topping Liverpool, is welcoming Olympiacos to the English capital in the Champions League. For the Magpies, they travel to Belgium to face Union St. Gilloise in Europe’s premier competition.