Kai Havertz is brought down by Michael Keane.placeholder image
Kai Havertz is brought down by Michael Keane. | Getty Images
Mikel Arteta and Arsenal staff desperately pleaded for a first half penalty in the 2-0 win over Everton.
Ex Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has given his view on why VAR did not intervene to award Arsenal a penalty in the 2-0 win over Everton on Saturday evening.
The Gunners picked up another big three points in their title charge but left it late to do so, an inspired Max Dowman coming off the bench to spearhead the late action. If that late turnaround had not happened, Mikel Arteta may have been left bemoaning a big referee decision.
In the first half, Arsenal forward Kai Havertz appeared to be brought down in the box having got in front of Everton defender Michael Keane. Arteta and Gunners staff could be seen pleading with the officials for a penalty in the aftermath but Andy Madley waved the incident away.
Speaking at half time, ex Premier League midfielder 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."
Dermot Galagher gives VAR verdict on missed Arsenal penalty
Appearing on Sky Sports segment Ref Watch on Monday, Gallagher agreed with Redknapp and the Arsenal staff, but provided insight as to why VAR may have missed the foul.
Gallagher said: “I thought it was a penalty. I alluded to this before, that’s what I was taught as a boy. If the ball’s there, step across, he’s out the game.
“I wonder if they [VAR] were looking at the upper body and think, well there’s not enough for a foul there. I think it is. The interesting this about that, if I was the forward and you were the ref, I’d say, ‘why would I need to go down? I’m away’.”
A statement from the Premier League Match Centre at the time had said: “The referee’s call of no penalty to Arsenal was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the contact from Keane on Havertz deemed to be minimal.”
In other news, Arsenal title bid: Predicted final table and how their run-in compares to Man City.
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