After a weekend of controversial refereeing decisions, it seems Arsenal may have been given a helping hand of their own.
In their crunch clash against Burnley – a game in which their 1-0 victory moved them within touching distance of a first Premier League title in more than two decades – they were let off the hook when Kai Havertz brought down Lesley Ugochukwu just as the visitors were launching a counterattack.
The German striker, who had given the Gunners the lead in the first half, leapt towards Ugochukwu and came down with his boot on the back of the former Chelsea midfielder’s calf as he fell to the ground.
Referee Paul Tierney, well positioned and only yards away, immediately produced a yellow card, with VAR checking and upholding the on-field decision.
It seems that the officials were alone in their view, with former Manchester United defender Gary Neville criticising the decision live on Sky Sports.
‘I don’t think that’s right,’ Neville said. ‘I think he’s a lucky boy – I’d get him off the pitch straight away.
The German striker, who had given the Gunners the lead in the first half, leapt towards Ugochukwu and brought his boot down on the back of the former Chelsea midfielder’s calf
‘The referee has a great view of it. It’s not just a trip, it’s the studs on the standing leg, well above the ball. He basically needs to leave the pitch now, I think.’
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta, who had cut a tense figure while awaiting the decision, appeared to share Neville’s concern and moved swiftly to replace Havertz a few minutes later, bringing on Viktor Gyokeres.
Despite a late charge by the visitors, Arsenal managed to hang on to their lead, with three points needed on the final day against Crystal Palace to confirm the league crown.
The move follows a matchweekend of controversial decision-making, most notably the allowance of Matheus Cunha’s goal during Manchester United’s game against Nottingham Forest on Sunday after Bryan Mbeumo’s handball in the build-up.
On Monday, it was reported that referees’ chief Howard Webb had spoken to Forest and admitted that the decision was incorrect.
During his post-match press conference, Forest boss Vitor Pereira claimed that managers need a meeting with match officials because they are no longer sure of the rules, warning the controversy would have been ‘a big problem’ if Forest were still in danger of getting relegated.
Pereira said: ‘It was a pity that the game was decided for a decision that I must accept because it’s the decision of the referee, but it’s not my opinion.
‘For me, it’s handball, very clear, but he decided not to and for me it was the decision that decided the game.
‘If the game today was decided in this way and we needed the points to be safe – big problem.’
