Referee urged to ‘re-visit the law’ following clear error against Arsenal
Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett has urged Michael Oliver to review Premier League rules following his error during Arsenal’s win over Leicester.
The Gunners won 2-0 after a thoroughly impressive performance at the King Power Stadium, but the same cannot be said for the referee.
Jonny Evans was shown a yellow card after tackling Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to the ground just outside the box.
That decision has since been scrutinized by analysts, and one opinion that bears some weight is that of former Premier League official Keith Hackett.
“The DOGSO criteria was fulfilled and Evans should have received a red,” Hackett wrote as quoted in his column at CaughtOffside.
“When I coach referees on the application of this offence, I ask them to visualise the incident and to take away the player who committed the foul in such a scenario.
“Then they should ask themselves if the offended player would have gained possession of the ball and have been able to have a shot on goal.
“Without question in the case of Arsenal’s Aubameyang that would have been the case.
“Oliver should re-visit the law and improve his understanding and application of this law.”
Thankfully, the decision had no effect on the outcome or the mentality of Arsenal players on the field, and the Gunners came away with the crucial three points, but there is no doubt that there would have been a lot more smoke if Arsenal hadn’t won.
However, this must be investigated because it may have had an adverse effect on the outcome, and consistency is a problem with officials that must be addressed.
Referee urged to ‘re-visit the law’ following clear error against Arsenal
