Why Havertz wasn’t sent off against Brentford

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has come to the defense of match official Rob Jones, supporting his decision to show leniency towards Kai Havertz during Arsenal‘s clash against Brentford on Saturday.

Gallagher emphasized that VAR (Video Assistant Referee) would not intervene in a second yellow card scenario and argued that Havertz’s contact with Nathan Collins played a crucial role in sparing him from harsher punishment.

While Brentford manager Thomas Frank expressed his belief that Havertz should have been sent off earlier in the second half for what he deemed a dive in search of a penalty, Gallagher contended that such a decision would require a scenario where no contact was made.

Speaking to Premier League Productions, Gallagher explained, “If you imagine the referee decides to give a yellow card and VAR doesn’t think it is, we are talking about can the VAR intervene on second yellow cards. Well, we all know it is about direct red cards.”

He continued, “For me, there is some contact and that is what saves him really. It is not the best thing to do in the world, especially when you are on a yellow card.”

Gallagher further analyzed the situation, highlighting the perspective of the referee during the incident. “If you look where the referee is, he sees the tackle go in from Collins and sees the ball go to the right.”

In essence, Gallagher suggested that a clear absence of contact would be required for a dive to warrant a sending off.

Meanwhile, despite the contentious moment involving Havertz, Arsenal emerged victorious with a 2-1 win over Brentford in the match.