‘The League Doesn’t Want Us To Win’- Arsenal fans fume

Arsenal fans vented their anger online at referee Jarred Gillett and English football’s governing body PGMOL after a couple of close calls went against them in the 1-0 Premier League loss to Aston Villa.

The Gunners squandered a number of golden opportunities during the defeat, but supporters were focused on a strong penalty claim for Douglas Luiz’s challenge on Gabriel Jesus, as well as the fact that Kai Havertz’s apparent last-minute equalizer was ruled out for handball.

The VAR sided with referee Gillett on both occasions, but Arsenal fans took to Twitter/X after the game to claim that football is rigged against them and that referees are purposefully corrupt in an apparent conspiracy to deny them the title.

“This is what we as Arsenal fans have to deal with, knowing the league doesn’t want us to win,” one fan said, while another posted a two-minute video compilation of decisions that went against Arsenal alongside the post, “What kind of corruption is this? @FA_PGMOL.”

Meanwhile, a third slammed the entire refereeing system, writing: “Make this make sense @FA_PGMOL all fans want is consistency or are you 1. actually a corrupt organization?” 2. Completely ineffective 3. Your field personnel are inept and unfit to perform their duties. 4. Is the VAR team unfit for purpose? Or is it a combination of the two?”

“We need the big six clubs to come together, pool their lawyers and expertise, and go after the PGMOL,” one advocate said. That is the only way for change to occur.”

Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who was watching from the directors’ box at Villa Park while serving a one-match touchline ban, refused to comment on the decisions, having already been charged by the FA for his stinging post-match criticism of the officiating following a 1-0 loss at Newcastle last month.

When asked about both calls, the Spaniard said, “They were clear and obvious.” “It’s obvious and clear.”

When pressed, he added, emphasizing the two repeated words, “Clear and obvious, that’s what I mean.” That’s all I have to say about it.”

During his post-match interview with Sky Sports, Arteta was asked about the decisions and said, “I prefer not to comment…Yes, I have a strong opinion.”

Any further questions were dismissed, but Arteta did go on to say that his team had done enough to win the game.