Furious Jamie Redknapp has branded VAR 'a disgrace' after Kai Havertz was denied a first-half penalty in Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Everton.
The Gunners secured a crucial three points in the Premier League title race on Saturday thanks to late goals from Viktor Gyokeres and Max Dowman.
Mikel Arteta’s side were fortunate not to go behind in the first half as Everton squandered several goalscoring opportunities, with Dwight McNeil’s strike from outside the box hitting the post.
Arsenal appealed for a penalty in the 23rd minute after Michael Keane’s challenge on Kai Havertz, but their calls were ignored by on-field referee Andy Madley.
Jamie Redknapp Blasts ‘Horrendous’ VAR Decision
Michael Keane and Kai Havertz
Keane and Havertz jostled as the Arsenal forward entered the penalty area, before the defender appeared to step on the back of the German’s foot.
The incident was overlooked by Madley, while VAR official Stuart Attwell also cleared it quickly, with the Premier League’s match centre describing Keane’s contact as 'minimal'.
Speaking at half-time on Sky Sports, Redknapp said:
"It's so clear. How on earth have VAR taken three seconds to say that's not a penalty? That's a horrendous decision.
"It's definitely a penalty and it should be overturned.
"We see VAR make decisions sometimes that everyone at home can see is not a penalty and it takes five minutes.
"They've taken three seconds to say it's not a penalty. That is an absolute disgrace."
Havertz’s penalty earned Arsenal a 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Wednesday.
The German converted from the spot against his former club after Noni Madueke had been brought down, scoring his third goal of the season.
Mikel Arteta Hails ‘Magical’ Dowman
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta before facing Inter Milan
Speaking to Sky Sports after the 2-0 win, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta praised Dowman, whose late strike made the 16-year-old the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history:
"It was magical. On the bench and all the players together, jumping with the crowd. It was a beautiful day.
"It is not only the goal that he scored, he changed the game. Every time he got the ball, he makes things happen and we are more of a threat.
“To do that at that age, in this context with the pressure, the expectations to win the game, it's just not normal.”
Arsenal are now nine points clear at the top of the Premier League table following Saturday’s action, which saw Manchester City drop points in a 1-1 draw at West Ham.
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Late goals from Viktor Gyokeres and Max Dowman secured Arsenal a crucial three points in the Premier League title race.