Gary Neville jokes that he ‘needs a break from Premier League football’ after commentating on Arsenal’s controversial loss and Chelsea’s chaotic win over Tottenham – as he reveals he WON’T be on the gantry next week when Man City travel to Stamford Bridge
- Chelsea’s win over Spurs saw five disallowed goals, two red cards and a penalty
- While Newcastle beat Arsenal thanks to a winner that was thrice checked by VAR
- CHRIS SUTTON: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is a CLOWN – It’s All Kicking Off
Gary Neville has revealed that he’ll be absent from Sky Sports’ coverage next weekend – which includes Manchester City’s trip to Chelsea – and joked that he needs a break from Premier League football.
The former Manchester United defender was on commentary duty for the broadcaster alongside Peter Drury on Monday night as Chelsea beat Tottenham 4-1 in a chaotic encounter.
Five disallowed goals, two red cards, a penalty and a truly unique tactical approach from the home side were just some of the highlights to go with the five efforts that actually stood.
Neville, who records his podcast with Drury post-match, disclosed his upcoming ‘mini-retirement’ having been on air for two of the weekend’s most contentious matches for officiating.
‘I’m actually off next weekend,’ he said. ‘I don’t think I can do another Premier League game for a bit, I need a break.
Gary Neville revealed that he’s taking a break from covering the Premier League next week
Nicolas Jackson’s hat-trick on Monday evening earned Chelsea a hard-fought win over Spurs
However, things started to go down hill for Spurs after Cristian Romero was shown a red card
Dier, Jackson, Son and Sterling were among those who had goals disallowed on Monday
‘I’ve done the real controversial refereeing games of the season and you’re in a position where you’re watching game and thinking, “I’ve never seen football like this before”.
‘”I’ve never seen incidents like this before, never seen matches like this before” and you ask yourself the question whether VAR is adding to the excitement or is it taking away?
‘It’s certainly adding to the debate which we love in this country. The thing about football is that we can all have an opinion but you don’t even agree with your own mate.
Monday’s game came just two days after Newcastle’s controversial 1-0 against Arsenal at St James’ Park. Anthony Gordon’s winner was checked by VAR for three different infractions before the goal was allowed.
The decision incensed Gunners boss Mikel Arteta, who later launched an astonishing attack on English referees and labelled the controversial goal an ‘absolute disgrace’.
‘This is nowhere near the [refereeing] level to describe this as the best league in the world.’ He added. ‘I feel sick to be part of this.’
Officials had to assess three separate incidents before the decision to award Gordon’s goal
The 48-year-old, who earlier this week slammed Arteta’s reaction and the subsequent statement from the club, proposed a different way of assessing VAR.
He added: ‘There are people in the last few days that have watched that Newcastle goal, who think it should have been disallowed, that I think are credible.
‘And then there are those who think it should have been allowed so we’re all split on the same decision and yet the debate is whether we should continue with VAR or not.
‘What we should say is, “is that a real shocker of a decision?” No, I’ve not seen a real shocker here tonight.’
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