The Premier League's Key Match Incidents (KMI) panel has unanimously backed referee Sam Barrott's decision to show Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope only a yellow card during the Gunners' 1-0 win at the Emirates—despite Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta's fiery protests.

The drama unfolded in the 74th minute when Pope rushed out of his penalty area and brought down Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres. Arteta was adamant it was a clear red card for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity, saying after the match: "It's a clear red card. I've watched it 10 times. If you have ever played football, it is a red card."

But the five-member panel disagreed, citing three key factors that saved Pope from an early shower. First, covering defender Malick Thiaw was close enough to potentially intervene. Second, the ball was played wide, reducing the directness of the chance. And third, Gyokeres didn't have full control of the ball at the moment of contact.

The panel also backed VAR official Jarred Gillett's decision not to intervene, with a unanimous 5-0 vote supporting the on-field call. For Newcastle fans, it's a rare moment of refereeing fortune in a season full of tight margins. For Arteta, it's another lesson in how the fine line between a yellow and red card can shift the momentum of a match—and sometimes, even the best slo-mo replays can't change the outcome.