Arsenal have been handed a fresh Nathaniel Clyne red card verdict by former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher. With just 11 minutes remaining, Riccardo Calafiori was left screaming in pain after a slide tackle from Clyne saw his studs make contact with the Arsenal man's ankle.
Referee Simon Hooper initially gave a yellow card with VAR officials at Stockley Park in agreement which saw the Premier League release a statement. "#CRYARS – 79’ The referee issued a yellow card to Clyne for a challenge on Calafiori," a post to X read.
"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 Gunners added a fifth soon after the Clyne controversy with Declan Rice joining Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli on the score sheet.
Despite it having minimal impact on the game, with Mikel Arteta's side already out of sight, the reckless challenge could have resulted in another injury for Calafiori and thus the incident was discussed on Sky Sports' Ref Watch with Gallagher explaining clearly and concisely why Clyne was not dismissed.
"I think the fact he's come from a short distance. He doesn't really gain any momentum or pace. I thought yellow card was a fair decision," the ex-referee admitted.
"It's the fact that he's come from a short distance. If you think Estupinan comes a long way through the air out of control. This one is at a short distance so he doesn't gain momentum and pace. I think the yellow card was a fair decision."
The Italy international, after receiving some treatment, was able to continue on his return to action and just five minutes later assisted Rice for his first goal of the season.
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