Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett believes Kai Havertz should’ve been sent off in Arsenal’s win over Burnley for serious foul play, after the forward made a late challenge on Lesley Ugochukwu midway through the second half of the crunch match.
It came during a nervous half for the Gunners, as Havertz’s first-half header from a corner gave the home side a slender one-goal lead at the Emirates Stadium.
Despite signs of dominance, the comfort of a second goal was never there, with Mikel Arteta’s side put under immense pressure to hold onto all three points.
While they ultimately managed that, Arsenal were threatening to let the game boil over on a few occasions, with the Havertz challenge referred to VAR but ultimately waved away despite concerns over the nature of the challenge.
Keith Hackett On Potential Kai Havertz Red Card
Kai Havertz tackle vs Burnley
Havertz’s challenge on Ugochukwu saw most fans in the Emirates Stadium hold their breath, as Arsenal threatened to hit the self-destruct button at the worst possible time during a game in which they had control.
The tackle was far from clean, as it was late and saw a scraping action down the back of the opposition’s calf, suggesting it could hit all the criteria for serious foul play by endangering the opponent with use of excessive force.
The challenge was ultimately waved away by VAR, deeming that referee Paul Tierney had given the correct decision with a foul and a yellow card for Havertz.
Gary Neville, on commentary duty for Sky Sports, disagreed, believing it should’ve been a red card, while former PGMOL boss Keith Hackett was in agreement.
Speaking to Football Insider on social media, the ex-referee chief said: “There is no doubt in my mind that Havertz is very, very fortunate to remain on the field of play and only receive a yellow card.
“The challenge fulfills serious foul play, down the back of a leg of his opponent with the studs could have put the player out of the game. Unacceptable, and sorry Paul Tierney, this warranted a red [card], not a yellow.”
It means Arsenal may well have been fortunate in the judgement of the referee and VAR during the game, but ultimately did enough to take all three points on the night.
All eyes turn to Manchester City, and whether they can take the Premier League title challenge to the final day or not, needing a result against Bournemouth on Tuesday night to push them all the way.
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Mikel Arteta On Havertz VAR Decision
While there were plenty of talking points surrounding the game between Arsenal and Burnley, the discussion on Havertz and his tackle remained a standout moment that could’ve swung the match either way.
There was some concern, it appeared, from the home dugout when Arteta decided to substitute the forward in favour of Viktor Gyokeres shortly after, with the Swedish striker making the most out of the space that was opening up during his cameo.
The Arsenal boss admitted he was concerned by the initial challenge by Havertz when he told the press after the game: “I certainly got worried when they were checking it. When I looked at the bench, they said that it wasn’t, but I haven’t had a look at the action.”
