'VAR is a joke': Kai Havertz's decision sparks outrage as Arsenal star accused of guile
talkSPORT's Stuart Pearce couldn't believe Arsenal were awarded a penalty against Bournemouth for a foul on Kai Havertz.
The gunmen They dominated the first half against the Cherries, but couldn't find a way through until half-time.
Havertz He was brought down inside the area by goalkeeper Mark Travers and after the VAR review the penalty was not annulled.
However, replays show the Arsenal striker appeared to drag his leg to initiate contact with the Bournemouth man.
speaking in comment for talkSPORTEngland legend Pearce said: “You know and I know that Havertz left his back foot there and brushed it past the goalkeeper.
“If you're going to ban players from going down cheaply, you're not going to punish them, but they will. They will say there was contact, but who initiated the contact? You tell me… but I wouldn't give that if I were a referee.”
Host Sam Matterface added: “Having passed the goalkeeper, if Havertz stays on his feet he can simply put the ball into the net. Why did you feel the need to go down?
“He had surrounded the goalkeeper and if he had stayed standing he would have scored a goal. Why did he do that?”
Pearce responded: “There was contact, but by who? The referees and VAR will just hide behind that 'clear and obvious' scenario, but if I was in the VAR booth I would tell the referee to go and have a look yourself.” same. .”
Fans on social media also expressed outrage at the decision and questioned why the VAR did not advise the referee to take another look.
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talkSPORT's Mark Goldbridge said: “Fair play, Havertz, but he's played the game there. He deliberately drags his foot. VAR is a bloody joke not to turn it around. What's the point?”
A second social media user said: “This game has been completely ruined because of VAR. Players are falling like dominoes these days. Very, very soft culture. Shame on Kai Havertz.”
A third comment: “That's never a penalty. Havertz leaves his leg out to initiate contact.”
Bukayo Saka was on hand to score the penalty and give Arsenal the lead as they continue their quest for the Premier League title.
