The Premier League clarified Kai Havertz’s reckless challenge as fans called for him to be shown a red card following his tackle during Arsenal vs Burnley, GIVEMESPORT reports.
Arsenal entertained Burnley in their final home game of the 2025/26 season on Monday.
The Gunners opened the scoring in the 36th minute when Havertz rose the highest to head home from Bukayo Saka’s sweeping corner.
His goal wasn’t his only flashpoint, as he was involved in a controversial moment in the second half.
VAR was called into action after Havertz caught the back of Lesley Ugochukwu’s leg with a studs-up challenge.
Paul Tierney brandished a yellow card, but VAR checked the challenge for serious foul play. However, the on-field decision of a yellow card was upheld.
The yellow card meant Arsenal have still yet to receive a red card in the league this season.
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Shortly after the incident, the Premier League Match Centre account on X shared a statement.
They wrote: “The referee’s call of yellow card to Havertz was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the challenge deemed not to be serious foul play.”
Gary Neville was on commentary duty for Arsenal vs Burnley and called Havertz a “lucky boy” for avoiding a red card.
He urged Mikel Arteta to substitute him straight away and said he “needs to leave the pitch.”
On Sky Sports, Neville said: “I don’t think that’s right. I think he’s a lucky boy, I would get him off the pitch straight away. That’s not right, he needs to leave the pitch.”
After the game, Jamie Carragher also couldn’t believe how Havertz escaped a red card.
“He’s very lucky,” he exclaimed. “How the referee has not given him a red card, I don’t know.”
