The question of whether Kai Havertz should have been sent off in the first half was a hot topic both during and after Newcastle 1 Arsenal 0.
After a challenge on Sean Longstaff, the Arsenal player received only a yellow card.
Newcastle United fans, players, and staff were outraged when VAR did not intervene on what appeared to be a shocking cowardly challenge, from which Longstaff was fortunate not to sustain serious injury.
Former Stoke and Hull player Jonathan Walters was watching the game, and it was interesting to read his in-the-moment comments when the incident occurred, as well as his post-match comments after taking a closer look at it…
Jonathan Walters during Saturday’s Newcastle 1 Arsenal 0 match – Saturday 4 November 2023:
“I honestly don’t think the Havertz tackle is a red.
“He’s jumped in to block the clearance and caught Longstaff’s foot with his trailing leg.
“Reaction from Newcastle players made it seem worse.”
Jonathan Walters after Saturday’s Newcastle 1 Arsenal 0 match – Saturday 4 November 2023:
“I got it wrong on Havertz.
“It should have been a red card.” He catches him with his forefoot.
“Longstaff is lucky it’s only a glancing blow!”
I got it wrong on Havertz.
It should be a red card. He catches him with his leading foot.
Longstaff is lucky it’s only a glancing blow! https://t.co/bjv3Ba9phG pic.twitter.com/CAZkon9vQ3— Jonathan Walters (@JonWalters19) November 4, 2023
Jonathan Walters during the game…and Jonathan Walters afterwards:
Fair play to Walters for admitting during the game that he’d gotten it wrong and that, after rewatching it properly, it was a clear and obvious red card for a shameful challenge.
Leave a Reply