By MICHAEL PAVITT
Published: 16:32 EST, 18 December 2024 | Updated: 16:32 EST, 18 December 2024
Fans have slammed the decision to allow Gabriel Jesus' second goal for Arsenal against Crystal Palace, with the Brazilian appearing to be narrowly offside.
Jesus had entered the match bidding to end a long-standing goal drought for the Gunners.
The Brazilian ended his barren run in stunning fashion, scoring a second half hat-trick to help Mikel Arteta's side reach the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
Jesus scored his first goal at the Emirates Stadium since December 17 last year to cancel out Jean-Philippe Mateta's early strike for the visitors.
His second goal proved controversial with the forward appearing to be in an offside position when he was played through by Bukayo Saka.
Hahahahah Jesus is miles offside but of course there’s no VAR so Arsenal will go through. Absolutely disgraceful refereeing
— Erik (@eeerik1) December 18, 2024
I never want to what Arsenal fans complain about refs again, they just got a clearly offside goal given to them in a quarter final ð
— Ellisð¥ (@elIisburner) December 18, 2024
The alleged offence was not picked up by the linesman and the goal was allowed to stand with VAR not in operation until the semi-final stage of the competition.
'The linesman had a CLEAR view but STILL couldn't see that Gabriel Jesus was OFFSIDE!,' one fan complained on social media.
'Anyone with eyes can see Gabriel Jesus is clearly offside before he scored. Arsenal can consider themselves extremely lucky here. It’s almost like these officials forgot how to do their jobs without VAR,' another claimed.
'Hahahahah Jesus is miles offside but of course there’s no VAR so Arsenal will go through. Absolutely disgraceful refereeing,' a third said.