Arsenal fans were left fuming with referee Chris Kavanagh and VAR Jarred Gillett during their clash with London rivals Chelsea.
The Gunners went into the match knowing that three points would be crucial for their Champions League qualification hopes while also taking bragging rights.
There was a decent start from Arsenal when they took the lead, Mikel Merino heading in a corner from the near-post, looping it over the outstretched hand of Robert Sanchez.
Despite taking the lead, there were some moments in which the Emirates Stadium faithful were left frustrated by officiating on the pitch.
Arsenal fans fume over Marc Cucurella handball decision
The first of two controversial decisions came in the first half when Jurrien Timber managed to force a mistake out of Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella.
The Arsenal star pressed his opposite number, who eventually dived to the ground and seemingly took a touch of the ball with his arm.
Timber pressed on, crossing the ball for Gabriel Martinelli, though it was eventually defended by the Blues at the front post.
There was a VAR check afterwards for Cucurella’s potential handball, though it was eventually checked and cleared by Jarred Gillett.
Fans on social media were far from happy, with one fan stating: “How is that not a handball????” while another added: “No handball is absolutely hilarious.”
Others were absolutely certain it should’ve been a penalty, adding: “That was handball.” while another fan said: “How’s that not a handball?”
“That’s clear handball – he’s moved and leaned towards the ball and therefor intent,” another supporter said in protest.
“100% handball by cucurella,” others added.
In the end, the Premier League released a statement on the Cucurella handball, revealing that the initial decision was stuck with.
Arsenal fans left frustrated over Wesley Fofana red card call
The frustration with the referee didn’t stop there though, as moments later there was a bold red card call to make.
Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana snapped into a tackle with Declan Rice, one where the Arsenal star went to ground.
The Frenchman then proceeded to stamp on his opposite number in a challenge that was checked by VAR.
The original decision was once again stuck with, as it was deemed to not have enough force to warrant a sending-off.
Fans were left incensed when they took to social media, claiming: “Fofana has no business still being on that football pitch. That’s 2 clear bookable offences, one a red the other an orange-level challenge.”
Another supporter added: “VAR check for Fofana red card. Ref conclusion = not even a yellow lol how does that make sense.”
Frustration over Fofana’s challenges continued, with fans stating: “Another studs up challenge by Fofana who didn’t get the ball…. No yellow.”
“How is Fofana still on the pitch without a booking. 2 borderline red challenges,” another added.
“Fofana not a single yellow card for 2 red card offences btw,” one added, while another said: “2 questionable red card challenges by Fofana now. Nothing given. Not even a yellow.”
It shows yet more frustrations the supporters have had with referees, in a decision where plenty has already gone against them.
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