Fans spotted Harry Maguire’s brutal three words that the furious Manchester United defender had for Kai Havertz after the Arsenal forward won a controversial penalty
Harry Maguire blasted Kai Havertz after the Arsenal forward won his side a controversial penalty – and fans reckon they know what the angry Manchester United star said.
The drama unfolded at the Emirates with the clock ticking down to the last 20 minutes and the score deadlocked at 1-1. Havertz made a beeline into the box, trying to slip past Maguire, who stuck out a leg and his left arm and ended up being penalised.
The England defender was quick to argue his case with the ref, who didn’t have the luxury of VAR to consult in this third-round FA Cup clash. After failing to sway the official, Maguire turned on Havertz, blatantly accusing him of taking a dive.
The penalty call sparked a brawl as players from both teams got into a heated scrap, trading insults. Manuel Ugarte found himself in a tussle with Havertz, which saw the Uruguayan and the German hit the turf.
Fans, meanwhile, think they have worked out what Maguire said, with many believing he called the German forward a “cheat”. One fan said: “‘You cheating s*** house’ from Maguire there. What a brilliant watch this is.”
A second supporter added: “Maguire didn’t stand for it, called Havertz a “cheating s*** house”. Then the Arsenal players all get involved. They know.”
Another fan said: “Maguire calling Havertz a cheat is spot on.” While one viewer joked: “Countryfile will follow this episode of Harry Maguire calling someone a s*** house.”
Once tempers were cooled, Martin Odegaard stepped up to the spot, but was denied by Altay Bayindir’s heroic save, keeping things even as the match headed into its final stretch, reports the Mirror.
Alan Shearer, commenting for BBC Sport, heaped praise on Bayindir for his reflexes but questioned the penalty decision. He said: “Altay Bayindir gets down really, really quickly. He gets a good strong hand to it. I thought the penalty was a bit harsh, I really did.”
Bruno Fernandes broke the deadlock for the visitors after a goalless first half, finishing impressively following a pass from Alejandro Garnacho. However, Gabriel quickly equalised for the Gunners with his shot deflecting off Matthijs de Ligt.
In a twist of events, Diogo Dalot was sent off in between the two goals. The United wing-back, already on a yellow card, made a reckless tackle and missed the ball entirely, leaving the referee with no choice but to show him a red card.
Both United and Arsenal are eager to secure a trophy this season, albeit for different reasons. Ruben Amorim is hoping to salvage something from what has been a disappointing campaign so far, while Mikel Arteta is under scrutiny as his lack of silverware continues.