Kai Havertz was not sent off in Arsenal's match against Burnley despite Gary Neville's view that the Germany forward deserved a red card
21:54, 18 May 2026
The challenge from Kai Havertz on Lesley Ugochukwu was reviewed by VAR
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The challenge from Kai Havertz on Lesley Ugochukwu was reviewed by VAR(Image: Sky Sports)
Gary Neville believes Arsenal forward Kai Havertz was ‘lucky’ to escape a red card for a challenge on Burnley midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu.
Havertz went in strongly on Ugochukwu in the 67th minute as Burnley looked to take the ball forwards against the Gunners from the edge of their box.
Havertz’s studs appeared to go down Ugochukwu’s calf from behind and the 22-year-old appeared to gesture that he thought the challenge was strong.
Referee Paul Tierney quickly showed Havertz a yellow card but Neville, on co-commentary duty for Sky Sports, thought the correct decision would be to send the Germany international off.
Neville 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.”
Indeed Mikel Arteta did take Havertz off, with Viktor Gyokeres brought on not long after. The Premier League's Match Centre account issued an explanation on the decision, 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."
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