Brentford manager Thomas Frank expressed his disappointment over a controversial incident involving a challenge from Nathan Collins on a £60 million Arsenal star during their recent clash.
With the match poised at 1-1 late on, Havertz netted a crucial goal to restore Arsenal’s lead and secure a vital victory, propelling his team to the summit of the Premier League.
Frank believed that Havertz should have been sent off earlier in the game for simulation, following a second-half incident where he went down easily.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Frank remarked, “I genuinely feel that Havertz shouldn’t have been allowed to continue on the field when he scored. His dive was blatant. While it might have been a tough call for the referee, the linesman should have spotted it.”
In an interview with BBC Sport, Frank further elaborated on his frustration, stating, “[The players] were understandably frustrated because they felt aggrieved by the penalty appeal involving Havertz. From multiple camera angles, it was evident that it was a clear case of simulation.
A second yellow card should have been issued, reducing them to ten men. This moment could have been pivotal in the outcome of the game.
I hope that the officials acknowledge the error, especially considering the uproar over marginal VAR decisions in the past that went in our favor.”
Despite the contentious incident, Arsenal held on for the win, vaulting past both Manchester City and Liverpool to claim the top spot in the Premier League.
However, their reign at the summit could be short-lived pending the outcome of Manchester City’s crucial showdown with Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.
The Gunners’ fate in the title race is now beyond their control, with Mikel Arteta’s focus shifting to their upcoming Champions League clash against Porto in the last-16 stage.
Arsenal will be aiming for victory in the return leg after suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat in the first leg in Portugal.
The controversy surrounding Havertz’s actions has sparked debate and added intrigue to Arsenal’s ascent to the top of the Premier League standings, highlighting the fine margins and pivotal moments that can shape the outcome of a tightly contested title race.
