Haaland controversy, red card call – Final Michael Oliver verdict given after Man City vs Arsenal
A Premier League panel has given their verdict on Michael Oliver’s decision to issue a red card to Leandro Trossard during Arsenal’s draw with Manchester City.
The Gunners were forced to settle for a point in the dramatic Premier League fixture at the Etihad Stadium at the weekend.
Despite goals from Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel Magalhaes, Arsenal were held to a 2-2 draw with Erling Haaland and John Stones on the score sheet for the hosts.
Oliver issued a red card to Trossard by giving the Arsenal forward two yellow cards. The second booking came after Trossard was judged to have delayed the restart for a free-kick by kicking the ball away.
A report in ESPN has provided details on a review conducted by the Premier League’s Key Match Incidents Panel (KMI).
The purpose of the review is to assess major decisions taken during top-flight fixtures, with the red card issued to Trossard one of the moments looked at.
The panel found that Oliver made the right decision in handing out the second yellow card to Trossard. A vote was undertaken that resulted in 4-1 in favour of the correct decision being made to dismiss the Arsenal.
Haaland was also the centre of controversy after throwing the ball at Gabriel in the aftermath of Stones’ stoppage-time goal for Man City. However, due to the striker not receiving a booking, the incident was not the subject of a review for the KMI panel.
Arteta was asked about the red card for Trossard when speaking to reporters on Sunday evening. The Arsenal boss refused to comment on the decision, despite the controversy that has swirled in the days following the match.
“I prefer not to comment. I’ve seen it and it’s that obvious so I’ll leave it to you guys,” said Arteta in his post-match press conference on Sunday.
“I was already in big trouble trying to solve what happened on the pitch. It’s not my problem to solve what happens off the pitch.”
