Arsenal given Kai Havertz penalty verdict as VAR explains controversial determination
Arsenal were denied a penalty against Everton after VAR upheld the referee’s decision despite Kai Havertz going down following a challenge from Michael Keane
Arsenal appealed for a penalty after a challenge on Kai Havertz – but it was not given(Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Arsenal were not awarded a penalty against Everton after Kai Havertz was brought down in the first half of the Premier League fixture.
Halfway through the first-half, Havertz was played through behind the Everton defence by Ebere Eze but the Germany international went to ground under Michael Keane’s challenge. Referee Andy Madley showed no interest and signalled play to continue before the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) reviewed and upheld the decision.
It proved a vital fixture with Arsenal seeking to extend their advantage at the Premier League summit.
The Premier League Match Centre posted on social media: “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.”
Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith was left baffled by the decision not to grant a spot-kick as he believed Havertz was clearly caught by Keane, reports football.london.
He said: “He just catches his left boot, it’s a foul. It’s a foul all day long.”
It proved an even start with Arsenal hoping to establish a ten-point advantage over Manchester City before their late kick-off in east London against West Ham United.
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Nevertheless, it was Everton who enjoyed the superior opening opportunities with Riccardo Calafiori acrobatically clearing from Iliman Ndiaye. The Gunners were saved by the woodwork when Dwight McNeil’s curling shot hit the post, followed by a wide rebound from Ndiaye.
David Raya was put to the test by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall at the half-hour mark as he deflected the former Chelsea midfielder’s 18-yard attempt.
Speaking about the penalty incident at the interval, Daniel Sturridge told Sky Sports: “There’s enough [for a penalty], yeah. You can see he’s clearly kicked him. He’s tried to guide him with his leg, he’s put his leg out a little bit but for me, he’s kicked him.”
Meanwhile, Jamie Redknapp chimed in: “It’s clear. It’s so clear. How on Earth has VAR taken three seconds to say that’s not a penalty, I’ll never know. That’s a horrendous decision.
“It’s a definite penalty, it should be overturned. Look at the players’ reaction, you’re stepping across to use your body to protect the ball and then, once he does that, he’s in front, you just have to get out of his way. You cannot do that, that’s rule number one.”
Presenter David Jones then queried: “Is he already going down, though?”
“You sound like VAR now,” Redknapp replied. “The fact it took such a short amount of time, we see VAR with decisions that everyone at home can see it’s not a penalty or a bad decision and it takes five or 10 minutes.
“But that, they’ve taken three seconds and said it’s not a penalty. It’s an absolute disgrace how that’s not been given or overturned.”
