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the International Police Agency, according to EPL Talk, is set to investigate Dowd over his performance.

The English referee did not have a game to be proud of. Diaby's sending off was warranted after the Frenchman pushed Joey Barton to the ground; however, Barton had made a number of horrendous challenges during the game but failed to even get a warning. One particular challenge on Andrei Arshavin was an almost certain straight red, but Dowd failed to offer any punishment

Newcastle's captain Kevin Nolan literally wrestled Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczensy to the ground but the incident went unnoticed except for Szczensy receiving a yellow card—yes, that's right the Arsenal keeper received the punishment. There is also the dispute of the second penalty. Two of Newcastle's four strikes were penalties. The first many see as legitimate after Laurent Koscienly brought down Newcastle striker Leon Best.

However, the second penalty bemused all. Dowd awarded the spot kick because Koscienly had allegedly some how fouled Mike Willamson from a set piece; however, replays show there was no contact whatsoever. Barton converted both penalties.

Arsenal are set to release a statement about the investigation shortly