A new angle has emerged of the referee's position before Kai Havertz’s late equaliser was disallowed against Aston Villa.
John McGinn's early goal was enough to earn Villa a dramatic 1-0 win over Arsenal on Saturday, to move Unai Emery’s men to within two points of the top of the Premier League.
The Gunners had been knocked off the summit by Liverpool earlier that day, and needed to beat Villa, a side that had won 14 consecutive home games in the Premier League, to regain their place.
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Emery’s side struck early via McGinn but were unable to sustain their intensity and only stayed ahead courtesy of two Diego Carlos goal-line clearances.
Then, the dramatic closing stages saw Havertz bundle in an equaliser, only for the goal to be disallowed for handball.
Referee Jarred Gillett immediately signalled for handball against the German - a decision that was subsequently confirmed by a lengthy VAR check, with the ball appearing to touch his hand as well as Villa defender Matty Cash’s arm before it crossed the line.
While Mikel Arteta, who is already in hot water with the PGMOL, refused to discuss the controversial decision post-match, Arsenal fans were quick to highlight the referee’s position for Havertz’s late equaliser.
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Gillett was some distance away from the goal-line scramble, on the edge of the semi-circle outside the box.
Writing on X, the social media platform formally known as Twitter, one Arsenal fan said: “All of a sudden we get a referee who has laser 20/20 vision and can see through players to make a clear handball decision.”
Another said: “I'm thinking he disallowed the goal for a foul on Martinez cos no way he saw a handball from where he's at.”
A third wrote: “It’s incredible how the officials can somehow see through players when it involves f***ing over Arsenal.”
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A fourth said: “He’s guessed, pure and simple. Just coincidence that it’s another decision against Arsenal by this ref.”
Featured Image Credit: Sky SportsTopics: Arsenal, Fan Reactions, Kai Havertz, Mikel Arteta, Aston Villa