Jamie Redknapp Brands VAR A Disgrace At Emirates As Arsenal Denied Penalty Against Everton
jamie redknapp labelled VAR “a disgrace” after a collision between Kai Havertz and Michael Keane in the first half of Arsenal’s match with Everton was not awarded as a penalty. The incident, in the 23rd minute, was left unpunished on the field and was quickly cleared by VAR.
Jamie Redknapp’s Reaction
At half time, Jamie Redknapp said: “It’s so clear. How on earth have VAR taken three seconds to say that’s not a penalty? That’s a horrendous decision. ” He added that the contact was “definitely a penalty” and that it should have been overturned, calling the rapid clearance “an absolute disgrace. ” Those comments came after replays appeared to show Michael Keane standing on the back of Havertz’s left foot as the Arsenal forward entered the box.
The Incident And Match Officials’ Ruling
The sequence began when Eberechi Eze slid Kai Havertz through behind Everton’s defence and Havertz went to ground under a challenge from Michael Keane in the 23rd minute. Referee Andy Madley signalled play to continue on the field. A VAR check, handled by Stuart Attwell, followed and was completed within seconds, with the original decision upheld.
The Premier League’s match centre described the contact from Keane on Havertz as “minimal, ” while replays shown during the match appeared to capture Keane scraping down Havertz’s left foot and making contact from the wrong side of the play. Several Arsenal coaches, including Mikel Arteta, were seen pleading with the fourth official after the on-field decision.
Commentary, Replays And Reaction In The Stadium
Co-commentator Alan Smith expressed surprise at how quickly the check was completed, saying he was “amazed they’ve taken so little time” to examine the incident and clear it. Additional angles seen in the stadium suggested contact had been made; Smith described it as “a foul all day long. ” The speed of the VAR review and the decision to stand by the on-field call provoked immediate debate among players, staff and viewers.
Aftermath And Match Context
Arsenal went on to score two late goals and win the match 2-0. The victory left the team temporarily 10 points clear of their nearest rivals in the title race. While the penalty appeal did not alter the result on the night, the handling of the incident has left pundits and members of the Arsenal camp questioning how the review was conducted and why it was resolved so quickly.
The decision and the strong reaction to it underline continuing tensions over how VAR interventions are handled in live matches, with particular attention on review times and the criteria used to judge contact as “minimal. ” For now, the ruling stands and the match outcome is unchanged, but the episode is likely to fuel further discussion about the clarity and consistency of VAR processes.
