Kai Havertz was particularly fortunate to avoid a red card in Arsenal's win over Burnley following his tackle on Lesley Ugochukwu, with Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville disagreeing with the outcome
Kai Havertz was shown a yellow card for a bad foul on Lesley Ugochukwu
Kai Havertz was shown a yellow card for a bad foul on Lesley Ugochukwu(Image: (Mike Egerton/PA Wire))
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Gary Neville believes Arsenal forward Kai Havertz was 'lucky' to avoid a red card for a challenge on Burnley midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu. Havertz lunged into Ugochukwu in the 67th minute as Burnley attempted to drive the ball forward against the Gunners from the edge of their own box.
Havertz's studs appeared to rake down Ugochukwu's calf from behind, with the 22-year-old seemingly indicating he felt the tackle was excessive.
Referee Paul Tierney swiftly produced a yellow card, but Neville, serving as co-commentator for Sky Sports, felt the Germany international should have been given his marching orders.
He said: "I don't like that. I don't like it at all. It's a horrible one, it's vicious from Havertz. I think this is a red. There's no way you're getting the ball, you can only hurt the player there."
The VAR James Bell reviewed the incident but stuck with Tierney's on-field decision to caution Havertz. Neville responded: "I don't think it's right - he's a lucky boy. I'd get him off the pitch straight away."
Mikel Arteta did subsequently withdraw goalscorer Havertz from the action, with Viktor Gyokeres introduced shortly afterwards.
The Premier League's Match Centre account provided clarification on the ruling, posting on X: "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."
Arsenal are now just one victory away from securing a first Premier League title in 22 years following a 1-0 triumph over Burnley. The Gunners head to Crystal Palace on the final day, though that win may prove unnecessary should second-placed Manchester City stumble at Bournemouth on Tuesday night (7:30pm BST).
Arteta has urged the club's supporters to play their part, with a Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain also on the horizon.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta reacts
Mikel Arteta has called on Arsenal fans to play a big role in their final two season-defining games
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Speaking after Monday's win over the Clarets, he said: "It's an absolute joy to witness the transformation and contribution each of you has had to turn this place into the most beautiful place to enjoy a football club.
"This is the soul of this football club. Each of you contribute to that. Make sure every time you step in this stadium, you face the responsibility to keep it at these standards. It makes all the difference.
"I will see you soon in Selhurst Park and then Budapest as well. Please be the protagonists to these amazing group of players and staff."