“I was forced to make that call…the wrong call wasn’t really my decision but they made me do it” I couldn’t do anything about it cause I’m only an official not the owner of the league…They wanted Newcastle to win Arsenal by all means”…those were the words of John brooks the Referee of the Newcastle Vs Arsenal match with strong claims that it wasn’t his decision rather be was ordered to‼️
Following Arsenal’s contentious loss to Newcastle United on November 2, 2024, the refereeing decisions have sparked a media storm, especially after alleged statements from match referee John Brooks circulated online. In a stunning claim, Brooks reportedly said, “I was forced to make that call… the wrong call wasn’t really my decision but they made me do it.” These words have fans and analysts alike questioning if external pressures influenced his decisions during the match.
The game, ending 1-0 in favor of Newcastle, left Arsenal fans frustrated as calls on potential fouls and yellow cards appeared to go in Newcastle’s favor. Alexander Isak’s early goal gave the home side an advantage, but it was the officiating that truly dominated post-match discussions. Critics have pointed out several instances where fouls went unpunished, seemingly disadvantaging Arsenal. In a post-match analysis, fans noted that Arsenal’s players struggled to find their rhythm amidst Newcastle’s physical approach, which many believe wasn’t sufficiently controlled by the officials. Brooks’s words have added fuel to these complaints, especially his statement that he’s “only an official, not the owner of the league,” hinting that pressures from higher up influenced his calls on the pitch.
In today’s high-stakes football landscape, the idea of officiating manipulation, while unproven, has created a surge of speculation. Fans across social media are discussing Brooks’s shocking revelations, with many questioning the integrity of the league. Has the desire to see one team win over another truly led to interference with match officiating? While some see Brooks’s words as potentially exaggerated or taken out of context, others feel this is proof of a deeper issue within the Premier League.
For Arsenal, this loss could be a critical blow to their season ambitions. And for the Premier League, these statements by Brooks, whether true or speculative, are a call to action, with fans demanding transparency and stricter scrutiny of refereeing standards moving forward.
