Football Mar 14, 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

Derby County 2-1 Sheffield Wednesday: Matt Clarke heads Rams to victory

Derby County 2-1 Sheffield Wednesday: Matt Clarke heads Rams to victory

Derby kept up their bid for the play-offs with a 2-1 victory over relegated Sheffield Wednesday, who registered another unwanted record.Although forme...

Max Dowman: Arsenal's 16-year-old wonderkid announces himself to the world with superb cameo against Everton

Max Dowman: Arsenal's 16-year-old wonderkid announces himself to the world with superb cameo against Everton

It was all heading one way for Arsenal. Lacking ideas, lacking intensity - and history was repeating itself.Three years ago on this very day, Arsenal...

Real Madrid will listen to offers for Eduardo Camavinga this summer - Paper talk and football transfer gossip

Real Madrid will listen to offers for Eduardo Camavinga this summer - Paper talk and football transfer gossip

The top stories and transfer rumours from Sunday's newspapers...EUROPEAN FOOTBALLReal Madrid will listen to offers for France midfielder Eduardo Camav...

Max Dowman may have delivered Arsenal's season-defining moment but where's Chelsea's Plan B? Premier League hits and misses

Max Dowman may have delivered Arsenal's season-defining moment but where's Chelsea's Plan B? Premier League hits and misses

It was amazing to witness the scenes of celebration for Max Dowman's historic goal against Everton. The 16-year-old was mobbed by delirious team-mate...

Pep Guardiola insists Man City Premier League bid not over - but accepts Erling Haaland goal drought a problem

Pep Guardiola insists Man City Premier League bid not over - but accepts Erling Haaland goal drought a problem

Pep Guardiola insists the Premier League title race is not over - but accepted his side are missing the consistency, creativity and Erling Haaland goa...

West Ham United 1-1 Manchester City: Visitors' Premier League title hopes hit as Hammers move out of relegation zone

West Ham United 1-1 Manchester City: Visitors' Premier League title hopes hit as Hammers move out of relegation zone

Man City's Premier League title hopes are hanging by a thread after a 1-1 draw at West Ham left them nine points off Arsenal with a game in hand - and...