Kai Havertz was “very lucky” not to be sent off for Arsenal during their narrow win over Burnley, according to Jamie Carragher.
[placeholder image
Read More
Mike Jackson weighs in on 'dangerous' Kai Havertz challenge during Arsenal v Bur...](https://www.burnleyexpress.net/sport/football/mike-jackson-weighs-in-on-dangerous-kai-havertz-challenge-during-arsenal-v-burnley-8552359 "Mike Jackson weighs in on 'dangerous' Kai Havertz challenge during Arsenal v Burnley")
The German forward was only booked for a cynical challenge with his studs down the back of Lesley Ugochukwu’s calf.
But Paul Tierney’s decision to only book Havertz was checked and signed off by VAR, who refused to upgrade to a red.
“The referee’s call of yellow card to Havertz was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the challenge deemed not to be serious foul play,” the Premier League Match Centre confirmed.
But Carragher, who was covering the game for Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football (MNF), was surprised by the decision.
“He’s very lucky,” he said.
Havertz was immediately subbed off by Mikel Arteta after the incident (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images)placeholder image
Havertz was immediately subbed off by Mikel Arteta after the incident (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images)
“I think the fact the referee’s got such a good view and gives a yellow card means it’s maybe difficult for VAR to go against it.
“How the referee hasn’t given a red card straight away, I don’t know. He can’t have a better view. It has to be a red card, it should be.
“The idea would be the force, that’s the one thing that’s saved him. I just struggle to see how you can get away with that with how high up it is on the calf.”
The Burnley Express has launched a new WhatsApp channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our Burnley Express WhatsApp channel.
That came after Gary Neville also expressed his surprise as he reacted in real time on co-commentary.
“I don’t think that’s right,” he said. “I think he’s a lucky boy and I’d get him off the pitch straight away.
“That is not good. The referee has got a great view of it. It’s not just a trip, it’s the studs on a standing leg, well above the ball.
“Mikel Arteta needs to get him off.”
Perhaps unsurprisingly, former Gunner Patrick Vieira – who was working alongside Carragher in the MNF studio – felt a booking was the right course of action.
“I think it is a challenge from behind and you can see the studs…but I think it was the right decision from the referee, honestly,” he claimed.
“I don’t think there was enough power or force for the red card.”
Arteta, meanwhile, didn’t go into great detail on his opinion, suggesting he’s not seen it back to give a detailed view.
"I certainly got worried when they were checking it,” he said afterwards.
"When I looked at the bench they said that it wasn't, but I haven't had a look at the action."
Burnley minority shareholder JJ Watt also weighed in, risking the wrath of the authorities by posting a “Checking Club Badge” graphic alongside a still of the challenge in question on his social media accounts.
Continue Reading