[Riccardo Calafiori in Champions League action for Arsenal against Shakhtar Donetsk (picture via www.arsenal.com)
Riccardo Calafiori in Champions League action for Arsenal against Shakhtar Donetsk (picture via www.arsenal.com)](https://football-italia.net/calafiori-message-injury-return-red-card-fans/) Italy international Riccardo Calafiori celebrated Arsenal’s win over Crystal Palace and his return to action after an injury, even if a Nathaniel Clyne challenge in the second half scared the Gunners supporters.
Calafiori made his 9th Premier League appearance this season on Saturday, coming off the bench in Arsenal’s 5-1 win over Crystal Palace.
The versatile Italian defender was introduced from the bench for the final 32 minutes.
“Great to be back! Big congrats to the team for this amazing away win,” Calafiori wrote on Instagram after the match.
Even if Cala returned from an injury and had reduced playing time, an incident that involved him in the second half had fans talking and scared the Gunners supporters.
Palace defender Nathaniel Clyne made a nasty tackle on the ex-Bologna defender, leaving him on the ground in pain.
Clyne was initially shown a yellow card, but the referee’s decision was subject to a VAR check.
Match officials in the VAR hub confirmed the referee’s decision, which was later explained by a Premier League statement.
“VAR checked for a potential red card and confirmed the referee’s call, deeming that the challenge was reckless and not serious foul play,” the statement read (via Football London).
Many Arsenal fans mentioned the incident in the comments section of Calafiori’s latest Instagram post.
“Thankfully you survived that crazy tackle,” one Arsenal fan said, while another argued: “Pls don’t go down screaming like that again, I did not enjoy it.”
Should Nathaniel Clyne 🏴 have been Sent Off for this Foul on Calafiori 🇮🇹🤔 pic.twitter.com/XoN1pRL0d7
— Every Premier League Club (@EveryPremier) December 21, 2024
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