Burnley interim boss Mike Jackson blasted the decision not to send off Kai Havertz during Arsenal’s tense 1-0 Premier League victory, insisting the challenge on Lesley Ugochukwu was “a red card.”
The biggest flashpoint at the Emirates arrived late in the match when Havertz lunged into a high tackle on Ugochukwu while attempting to halt a Burnley counterattack.
Referee Paul Tierney immediately produced a yellow card, while VAR official James Bell reviewed the incident for possible serious foul play before deciding not to overturn the on-field decision.
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville did not hide his frustration while analysing the challenge during commentary.
“It’s a horrible one, it’s vicious from Havertz,” Neville said.
“I think this is a red. There’s no way you’re getting the ball, you can only hurt the player there.
“I don’t think [the VAR call is] right – he’s a lucky boy. I’d get him off the pitch straight away.”
Jackson also expressed his disappointment after the match, believing the incident could have shifted momentum in Burnley’s favour during the closing stages.
“It is a red card,” said Jackson.
“It is dangerous, he is leaving the floor, and it is cynical foul to break up play. We are disappointed it wasn’t given because it changes the game for the last 20 minutes in our favour.
“When you look back at it and watch it frame-by-frame, and second-by-second. you must be able to see that, from a number of angles.”
Despite the controversy, Arsenal held firm to secure a crucial three points in the Premier League title race, with Kai Havertz’s first-half winner ultimately proving decisive.
Burnley, meanwhile, left North London frustrated after another contentious VAR moment went against them in a match where they pushed the Gunners all the way.
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