Former Super Eagles left-back Ifeanyi Udeze intervened in Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s penalty appeals in Arsenal’s goalless draw against Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.
The Premier League leaders were looking to be 10 points clear of reigning champions Manchester City but met stiff resistance from the Toons, whose defensive strategy stifled Arsenal.
However, Arteta was left furious after the match by referee Andy Madley’s refusal to issue two penalties over the course of the game which he called “outrageous” during his post-match reaction.
Udeze, who played in the English Premier League for West Brom, spoke on Brila FM, Lagos on Wednesday morning about the sanctions.
“In my opinion, the penalties that Mikel Arteta complained about were not legitimate penalties.
“We could see that the defender had his hand in a natural position. If he had his hand outstretched, that would have been different.
“The rules of the game have changed. A few years ago that would happen as a penalty.
“For the second, perhaps the referee felt that it was not enough to give it. He remains for the VAR officials to call his attention.
“Almost every club has benefited from questionable refereeing at some point,” Udeze said.
Despite the two points lost, Arsenal are still eight points clear of City who take on Chelsea on Thursday night and the Gunners will be hoping west London Chelsea pick up a win to strengthen their stronghold in the first half. top of the table.
Arsenal’s next Premier League game is against North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, but they have an FA Cup game against Oxford United on Monday to play before the next big test.
