Manager Jamie Redknapp has slammed VAR’s inaction and branded the decision “disgraceful” after Kai Havertz was denied a penalty in the first half of Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Everton.
Michael Keane made a clumsy challenge on Havertz in the 23rd minute, which was ignored by on-field referee Andy Madrid and quickly cleared by VAR official Stuart Attwell.
Keane and Havertz were grappling with each other as the Arsenal forward entered the Everton area, but Eberechi Eze slipped through and the defender clearly stepped on the back of his opponent’s foot.
Sky Sports’ Alan Smith, co-commentary from Emirates Stadium, said he was “surprised at the short amount of time it took[officials]” to investigate the incident and rule out any wrongdoing.
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Kai Havertz caused controversy after being denied a penalty during Arsenal’s match against Everton in the Premier League
At half-time, Redknapp said: “It’s clear: why on earth did it take VAR all three seconds to decide it wasn’t a penalty? That’s a terrible call.”
“This is definitely a penalty and should be rescinded.
“Sometimes you see VAR making a decision that everyone at home knows is not a penalty, and it takes five minutes to make the decision.
“They took three seconds to say it wasn’t a penalty. This is absolutely disgraceful.”
In the aftermath of the clash, Mikel Arteta and several Arsenal coaches were seen taking legal action against a fourth official.
The Premier League match center deemed the contact with Keane to be “minimal”, but the Everton player played in the wrong direction and scraped Havertz’s left foot.
Arsenal scored two goals in the final minute to win 2-0 and temporarily take a lead of at least 10 points over their closest rivals Manchester City in the title race.
