Head of The Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOL) Howard Webb has claimed William Saliba did deny Evanilson an obvious goalscoring opportunity that led to his red card in Arsenal’s 2-0 loss to AFC Bournemouth.
Saliba was sent off just 30 minutes into the clash at the Vitality Stadium following a VAR review. The Gunners defender was initially handed a yellow card by referee Rob Jones before VAR overturned the on-field decision.
Racing back to defend following Leandro Trossard’s poor pass, Saliba clashed with Evanilson just inside Arsenal’s half. The Bournemouth forward went down after contact and it resulted in Saliba being sent off.
Over three weeks later, Webb opened up on the process that resulted in Jones’ decision being overturned. Speaking on ‘Match Officials Mic’d Up‘ on Sky Sports, he said: “I think that the offence committed by William Saliba in this situation did deny Evanilson an obvious goalscoring opportunity. I think the yellow card that was issued by Rob Jones on the field was clearly and obviously wrong.
“It’s a poor pass back by Leandro Trossard that puts Evanilson in and then Saliba grabs him. So suddenly from Arsenal having possession, the referees are faced with having to make a decision very quickly. Sometimes with DOGSO you have time to prepare your mind for what’s going to happen.
“Initially they believe that Ben White was closer than he actually was. And they also weren’t convinced that Evanilson would control the ball.
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“There’s two things that VAR can do here to prove that the on-field decision was wrong. Firstly, you can see that Ben White is a long way away. He’s not going to get to Evanlison from that position. And then secondly, they can see that David Raya is backing off and when the ball dies in front of Evanilson, even though it’s some distance from goal, he’s going to get on to that ball. He’s going to have time to gain nice control just for the goalkeeper to beat.”
“So, for me, a good intervention by the VAR, are clear and obvious error in not showing a red card on the field.”
