Referee named for Arsenal vs Brighton clash, he made ‘strange ’ call that angered Arteta last season

Arsenal will hope to make it three wins from their opening three games against Brighton this weekend.

Mikel Arteta’s side recorded 2-0 victories over Wolves and Aston Villa to record maximum points to begin another Premier League title challenge, and will face Brighton at the Emirates before an International break.

The importance of three points against Brighton cannot be understated, given that Arsenal’s next two games after the break will come at Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City.

Arsenal beat Brighton home and away last season, but this will not be an easy game, with the visitors beating Manchester United in their last game.

The match officials have now been confirmed for the fixture, and Arteta will recall the frustration he endured with the referee last season.

Chris Kavanagh confirmed as referee for Arsenal vs Brighton

The Premier League have now confirmed that Chris Kavanagh will be the referee for Arsenal vs Brighton, with Bobby Madeley on VAR duties.

The Gunners have a positive record with Kavanagh, winning 10 of the 19 Arsenal matches he has officiated, with four draws and five defeats.

However, Kavanagh was part of the refereeing team which controversially awarded a penalty against Arsenal as they drew away at Chelsea last season.

Chris Kavanagh penalised William Saliba in Arsenal draw

Arsenal drew 2-2 away at Chelsea in October last year, coming back from 2-0 down in a frustrating performance.

They fell behind when Cole Palmer scored a penalty, as centre-back William Saliba was penalised for a controversial handball, and Kavanagh awarded the spot-kick.

Arteta was handed a yellow card for protesting the decision, and he expressed his frustration at the decision and the handball rules after the game.

“The law is clear as well in where the ball has to be in relation to the action,” Arteta stated.

“It’s very close and it’s impossible to jump without lifting your hands. Mechanically, it’s impossible.”

Chelsea legend John Terry also admitted that the decision was a surprising one, whilst Gary Lineker branded Kavanagh’s decision as “ludicrous.”

Arsenal will hope that similar controversy with Kavanagh is avoided against Brighton, as they cannot afford any setbacks in the title race this season.