The incident was one of the major talking points from Saturday’s match in North London. With just five minutes left, Havertz believed he had secured a 3-2 lead for Arsenal after Mikel Merino’s shot deflected off him and into the net. ..Continue Reading
However, as the German celebrated, several Aston Villa players approached referee Chris Kavanagh to protest a potential handball.
Shortly afterward, VAR determined that the ball had struck Havertz’s arm just before crossing the line and advised that the goal be disallowed.
In his post-match interview, Villa forward Ollie Watkins suggested that Arsenal were unfortunate to have their third goal ruled out for handball.
“Seeing it back there I am not sure, think it’s gone in favour for us, if that was against me I think I would be disappointed,” Watkins told Sky Sports. “From that angle I’m not sure but that’s what VAR is there for.”
The ruling from Saturday’s encounter at the Emirates has sparked diverse reactions, particularly after slow-motion footage of the incident surfaced online.
While some sided with Watkins, others firmly believed the correct decision was made. Here is how fans on social media responded to the clip below.
One said: “This is genuinely not handball, hits his stomach. PGMOL gifting Liverpool the title, again,” and another commented: “From this angle it sure doesn’t look like it hit his hand. How did VAR miss this one?”
A third wrote: “It’s handball and he knows what he is doing. This is just Arsenal fans once again complaining that the officials aren’t cheating enough for them.”
A fourth said: “Hits the arm on the bottom and flies up. Damn, Arsenal out here defying gravity and logic,” and a fifth added: “Am I the only one who legit thinks this hit his stomach and not his arm?!”
In his post-match comments, Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta was asked about the handball decision.
“Yes, I saw it. From one angle it does not look like [a handball] and from another angle it looks like a handball,” he said. “The decision has been made.”
