Insights from an Ex-Premier League Referee: Why Kai Havertz Wasn’t Sent-off in Arsenal vs Brentford
In a thrilling match between Arsenal and Brentford, Kai Havertz emerged as the hero for the Gunners with a crucial winning goal in the 86th minute. However, controversy surrounded the Germany international as he narrowly avoided a second yellow card earlier in the game. Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher sheds light on the decision and explains why Havertz was not deserving of a sending off.
The incident in question occurred in the 65th minute when Havertz threw himself to the ground, hoping to win a penalty after a challenge from Brentford’s Nathan Collins. While replays suggested minimal contact, Bees boss Thomas Frank accused Havertz of diving and believed it warranted a second yellow card. Frank expressed his frustration, stating that it should have been “11 v 10” if the referee had made the correct decision.
Gallagher, however, disagrees with Frank’s assessment and defends the referee’s leniency. He emphasizes that it is not the role of VAR to intervene in scenarios involving second yellow cards. According to Gallagher, there was some contact between Havertz and Collins, which ultimately saved the former Chelsea star from being sent off. He highlights the importance of the referee’s perspective and explains that the ball’s trajectory played a significant role in the decision-making process.
Gallagher explains that from the referee’s position, he witnessed Collins making a tackle and the ball moving away from Havertz. This led the referee to believe that Collins had successfully played the ball, resulting in no foul or dive. Gallagher stresses that for a referee to brandish a red card for diving, there must be clear evidence of no contact and a deliberate act of throwing oneself to the ground.
The ex-Premier League referee’s analysis provides valuable insights into the decision-making process of match officials and sheds light on the intricacies of determining whether a player deserves a second yellow card. In this case, Havertz’s contact with Collins and the trajectory of the ball played crucial roles in the referee’s decision to show leniency.
While opinions on the incident may differ, it is clear that the referee made a judgment call based on the information available to him. The intensity of Premier League matches often leads to contentious moments, and it is the responsibility of referees to make split-second decisions. In this instance, Gallagher believes that the correct call was made, ensuring that Havertz stayed on the pitch to ultimately secure victory for Arsenal.
As the season progresses, it is inevitable that more controversial decisions will arise. However, the expertise provided by former referees like Gallagher offers fans and pundits valuable insights into the complexities of officiating in the Premier League.