Football Mar 28, 2026

Kai Havertz penalty call: Jamie Redknapp brands VAR inaction a disgrace as Arsenal denied spot-kick against Everton

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
Kai Havertz penalty call: Jamie Redknapp brands VAR inaction a disgrace as Arsenal denied spot-kick against Everton

Jamie Redknapp has blasted VAR's inaction after Kai Havertz was denied a penalty in the first half of Arsenal's 2-0 win over Everton, labelling the decision "a disgrace".

A clumsy challenge from Michael Keane on Havertz in the 23rd minute was ignored by on-field referee Andy Madley - and very quickly cleared by VAR official Stuart Attwell.

Keane and Havertz were grappling as the Arsenal forward entered the Everton area, slid through by Eberechi Eze, before the defender clearly trod on the back of his opponent's foot.

Your Site' Alan Smith, on co-commentary at the Emirates Stadium, said he was "amazed they've [the officials] taken so little time" to examine the incident and clear it of any wrongdoing.

Speaking at half time, 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.

"It's definitely a penalty and it should be overturned.

"We see VAR make decisions sometimes that everyone at home can see is not a penalty and it takes five minutes.

"They've taken three seconds to say it's not a penalty. That is an absolute disgrace."

In the aftermath of the collision, Mikel Arteta and several Arsenal coaches were seen pleading their case with the fourth official.

The Premier League's match centre deemed contact from Keane to be "minimal", but the Everton man was the wrong side of play and scraped down Havertz's left foot.

Arsenal scored two late goals to emerge 2-0 winners from the game and move - temporarily at least - 10 points clear of nearest rivals Manchester City in the title race.

Tags:

football news

Share this article

Related Posts

England 1-1 Uruguay: Ben White booed after scoring and then gives away penalty on international comeback

England 1-1 Uruguay: Ben White booed after scoring and then gives away penalty on international comeback

Ben White was booed by England fans after scoring and then gave away a penalty for Uruguay to draw 1-1, as the Wembley crowd gave a damning verdict on...

England boss Thomas Tuchel defends Ben White after Wembley boos insisting defender is 'ready to write some new chapters'

England boss Thomas Tuchel defends Ben White after Wembley boos insisting defender is 'ready to write some new chapters'

England boss Thomas Tuchel defended Ben White after he was booed by sections of the Wembley crowd in the 1-1 draw with Uruguay.  White - on his first...

Sky Bet League One: Goals and highlights of every match

Sky Bet League One: Goals and highlights of every match

Goalkeeper Cox shutting out noise about futureLatest from Your Site' Dan Long:Brentford goalkeeper Matt Cox - who is currently on loan...

Sky Bet League Two: Goals and highlights of every match

Sky Bet League Two: Goals and highlights of every match

Goalkeeper Cox shutting out noise about futureLatest from Your Site' Dan Long:Brentford goalkeeper Matt Cox - who is currently on loan...

Cole Palmer disillusioned at Chelsea amid Manchester United interest - Paper talk and football transfer gossip

Cole Palmer disillusioned at Chelsea amid Manchester United interest - Paper talk and football transfer gossip

The top stories and transfer rumours from Sunday's newspapers...Cole Palmer is increasingly disillusioned with life at Chelsea and primed to leave thi...

Arsenal Women 5-2 Tottenham Women: Alessia Russo hat-trick keeps Gunners in Women's Super League title fight

Arsenal Women 5-2 Tottenham Women: Alessia Russo hat-trick keeps Gunners in Women's Super League title fight

Alessia Russo's first-half hat-trick helped Arsenal beat Tottenham Hotspur 5-2 in the north London derby to keep alive their Women's Super League titl...