In the latest Premier League fixture, Arsenal clinched a 2-1 victory against Brentford, with Kai Havertz scoring the decisive goal late in the game.
However, controversy has arisen over Havertz’s eligibility to play at that point.
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The match, held at the Emirates Stadium on March 9, saw Declan Rice put Arsenal ahead, only for Yoane Wissa to equalize.
Havertz’s goal in the 87th minute ultimately lifted Arsenal to the top of the league table, marking a potentially pivotal moment in the title race.
Subsequent to the match, it was disclosed that Havertz might have been disqualified from participating at the time he scored.
The Premier League’s Key Match Incidents panel, an independent body reviewing critical refereeing decisions, concluded that Havertz warranted a second yellow card for an evident simulation in the 66th minute, which should have resulted in his removal from the game.
After all the five members of the panel unanimously agreed, their conclusions read: ‘Havertz is already falling when the defender makes contact, brushing Havertz’s hip.
‘The panel unanimously agreed the on-field decision was incorrect and Havertz should have been awarded a second caution for a ‘clear act of simulation’.’
The VAR official could not take action during the match as they are unable to review yellow-card offences.
‘I actually don’t think Havertz should be on the pitch when he scored the goal,’ Brentford boss Thomas Frank said after the game.
