Why Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber was not sent off in Tottenham North London Derby amid Vicario brawl

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has explained why Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber was not sent off against Tottenham in the North London Derby. A feisty first half at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium ended with a brawl involving Timber and Guglielmo Vicario following the former’s foul on Pedro Porro.

Seven yellow cards were dished out by Jarred Gillett in the opening 45 minutes with William Saliba, Destiny Udogie and Rodrigo Bentancur all picking up cautions before the major talking point of the half. In the 35th minute, Timber was booked for a strong challenge on Porro having caught the Tottenham man high up on the leg.

Though he was able to get a touch on the ball, the challenge was deemed erratic which angered Vicario especially as Timber attempted to continue playing. Because of his reaction, the Spurs goalkeeper was shown a yellow card though replays showed Timber’s own actions in that incident could have been deserving of another booking and thus a red card.

As part of Sky Sports ref watch, the panel have delved into the incident, explaining why he was not sent off the Arsenal defender and also why VAR could not get involved. “It was not a nice tackle,” Gallagher said. “He uses the ball and goes over the top of it, but because he steps on the ball, he doesn’t gain any intensity and hasn’t got the momentum, that’s why it’s a yellow card.

“It’s not one where he’s gone flying through the air with a lot of force. It’s a lot more balance this year. The referees have let more go. The handball law is much better and readily accepted, there’s more physical contact allowed in the game this year. After four rounds, we’ve seen a marked difference in the way the referees apply the laws.”

Moments after the challenge, Timber was involved in a heated argument with Vicario which saw him grab the latter’s shirt, though it was the Tottenham man that was booked. With several players rushing over, Gallagher explained it would have been difficult for Gillett to see exactly what happened and thus would need to rely on other officials.

However, VAR can only get involved if they deem violent conduct and with Timber already booked, they are powerless to recommend a second caution is given. Had the Netherlands international not been shown a yellow seconds prior, it could have been an entirely different story with Vicario booked for his role in the fracas.