A former Premier League referee was left ‘simply astounded’ by the decision not to give Arsenal a penalty against Newcastle on Sunday when Viktor Gyokeres was felled by Nick Pope.

In the first half of the clash at St James’ Park, with the score goalless, the Swedish striker pounced on a poor back pass from Jacob Murphy.

Gyokeres poked the ball past Pope and was brought down, with referee Jarred Gillett pointing to the penalty spot.

However, he was advised to have another look on the pitchside monitor as Pope had got a slight touch on the ball before the contact with his opponent.

As a result, the penalty decision was overturned, much to the chagrin of the Arsenal players and their manager Mikel Arteta.

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Former top flight referee Keith Hacke

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