Bruno Guimaraes was lucky not to see red for a poor challenge on Jorginho
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A supposed leak of VAR audio from Newcastle's tense clash against Arsenal has revealed why Bruno Guimaraes was not sent off despite seemingly elbowing Jorginho in the head.
The game at St James' Park was extremely controversial, with Anthony Gordon's winner for the hosts only given after three lengthy VAR checks. Gunners boss Mikel Arteta lost his rag post match, insisting the performance of the technology was 'embarrassing' and 'a disgrace' that left him 'sick', claiming the goal shouldn't have been awarded.
There were also several other contentious decisions, including a poor Kai Havertz challenge on Sean Longstaff and the aforementioned Guimaraes-Jorginho clash, but neither were punished, although PGMOL chief Howard Webb admitted this week that both players should have received a red card.
However, the alleged VAR audio from the Guimaraes incident has been leaked, with the PGMOL refusing to comment on this despite being given the opportunity to do so by Mail Sport.
In the leaked clip, which was shared on Reddit, the conversations between VAR official Andy Madley, Assistant VAR Stuart Burt and referee Stuart Attwell can be heard.
Leaked VAR audio appears to reveal why Bruno Guimaraes was not sent off against Arsenal
Leaked VAR audio appears to reveal why Bruno Guimaraes was not sent off against Arsenal
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After the clash occurred in real time when the Brazilian midfielder appeared to maliciously catch Jorginho with his elbow, Madley could be heard saying: '(Stuart) I'm just going to check potential serious foul play.
'He goes into the player... so he lifts his arm up because he's going into the defender.
'Just have a look at this for me Stu (AVAR). For me he sees the player he puts his arm up and there's a glancing blow from the side but for me that's not used as a weapon.
'That's not violent conduct. Are you happy with that as well?
Burt replied: 'Yeah, it's not nice but I don't think it's anymore than a yellow card.'Madley then added: 'It doesn't reach the threshold. Stuart (Attwell - referee) it's check complete, check complete.'
Speaking on the 'Match Officials Mic'd Up' programme shown on Sky Sports and TNT Sports on Tuesday evening, Webb had disagreed with the original decision.
When referring to the foul play of Havertz and Jorginho, he had said: 'Going forward we would expect red cards in those situations.'
The audio leak - which was not broadcast on the show last night - is likely to do little to improve confidence in the under-fire VAR system.
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